LeMahieu to talk with other teams amid Yankees standstill

Will the New York Yankees figure out a way to retain superstar DJ LeMahieu? Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Report: D.J. LeMahieu to begin talking with other teams amid contract disparity with Yankees

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/14/20

D.J. LeMahieu wants to return to the Bronx. The New York Yankees want him back. However, the Pinstripes and the second baseman are reportedly more than $25 million apart in contract negotiations.

With discussions seemingly stalled, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that LeMahieu plans to start talking with other interested teams.

Gap between Yankees and LeMahieu larger than $25M, sources tell The Athletic. LeMahieu is Yankees’ No. 1 priority and the two sides continue to talk, but the free-agent infielder also plans to start engaging with other teams. On it: @BrendanKutyNJ
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 14, 2020

LeMahieu has no shortage of suitors, either, with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Washington Nationals reportedly checking in on his availability.

In two seasons wearing the Pinstripes, the 32-year-old hit .336 with 129 RBI and 36 home runs. He won the batting title last season after hitting .364 and also placed third in American League MVP voting.

LeMahieu is one of the top available free agents this offseason, along with J.T. Realmuto, George Springer, Marcell Ozuna, Marcus Semien and Justin Turner, among others. If the Yankees lose out on LeMahieu, there's no word on who they may target to play second base.

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