Dodgers: Los Angeles Continues to Show Interest in DJ LeMahieu
Up until this point, most of the rumors surrounding the Dodgers were just rumors. The list of names mentioned alongside the reigning World Series champions has been fairly extensive, and entirely unconfirmed.
Today, we get our first real confirmed Dodgers hot stove rumor. Jon Morosi of MLB Network confirmed today that Los Angeles has continued to show interest in free agent infield DJ LeMahieu. The rumor surfaced this offseason that there may be mutual interest between the two sides, and that appears to be the case.
The #Dodgers have continued to show interest in free agent DJ LeMahieu, source confirms. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 2, 2021
The Dodgers adding LeMahieu into the mix could mean a lot of different things for them. One scenario for them signing LeMahieu could be watching Justin Turner walk in free agency, in which case DJ could provide flexibility in the infield. Another scenario could include Los Angeles trading away Gavin Lux, or just giving him more time to mature.
Whatever the case, LeMahieu profiles as a great fit for the Dodgers lineup. Los Angeles could bat him virtually anywhere and he would instantly make them a better team offensively. LeMahieu is coming off one of the better seasons of his career in which he slashed .364/.421/.590 with a 1.011 OPS. Although he played in just 50 games, LeMahieu’s swing and miss rate continues to impress and could fit in very well with what Andrew Friedman is looking for.
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The only real question left is the length of the contract and the amount of money in the deal. Rumors floating around suggest that the Yankees are unwilling to go 5 years on a deal, and that has led to the two sides being pretty far apart in financials. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are not often eager to hand out long-term contracts worth 9-figures.
Only time will tell.
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Not sure a “rumor” is something that needs to be confirmed. Once it is repeated it officially becomes a….rumor. Anyway, still believe the Mets are are the main Yankee competition for LeMahieu. He checks all of their boxes. But if the Dodgers could sneak in there and pilfer him that would be really sweet.
If the price is right, and the contract length is right, do it. Slot DJ at 2B. Do whatever you want with Lux. Re-sign. JT at 3B. And enjoy the most potent lineup in baseball, with the possible exception of Atlanta. This lineup would also balance the lefty and righty hitter situation perfectly to eliminate the current imbalance. DJ is the best contact hitter in baseball who goes to all parts of the field. If Bellinger rediscovers his swing, he could get a lot of RBI’s with this lineup.
One thing for sure is signing DJ is not contigent on the DH remaining in the NL or not. He obviously can field his position, be it 2B or 3B.