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Suspension of 162 no-pay games for violating MLB joint drug prevention and treatment program removed $ 20.25 million from payroll New York Mets in 2021 and left the team with a hole in second base, leading to further speculation that the club might try to hire DJ LeMahieu, situation that would cause a domino effect in the market.
LeMahieu, of course, has spent the last two seasons with the Yankees, earning MVP ratings in both years. Signing him again is believed to be the Bronx Bombers top priority this offseason.
Attracting LeMahieu away from the Yankees would be a significant win for the Mets both on and off the pitch as new owner Steve Cohen attempts to establish the Amazins as the number one team in town after years of being the second violinist to their rival city. .
The squad hasn’t said if the 32-year-old is really on their list of goals, but it’s fun to imagine how LeMahieu’s deal with the Mets could affect the rest of the market. Here’s a look at what could happen if the second baseman signs with the Mets.
Lindor in the Bronx becomes more likely
How would the Yankees react to the loss of LeMahieu to the Mets? With a trade for one of the best short stops in the MLB, perhaps?
Multiple industry sources told MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi earlier this month that Cleveland may trade Francisco Lindor ahead of opening day and that the Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays and Cardinals are seen as the most popular candidates. strong to get the 27-year-old tournament. – Old shortstop.
The Yankees are unlikely to focus on Lindor while LeMahieu is still available, but if second base is off the board, a very successful trade is more likely to bring Lindor to the Bronx, especially if i’s takeover of LeMahieu Mets eliminate them. mix.
Gleyber Torres’ defense at shortstop is a legitimate concern for the Yankees; recorded -11 above average starts as a shortstop in his three-year career. Lindor, meanwhile, produced +28 OAA during that time. Making a trade for Lindor would allow the Yankees to bring Torres back to second base. The 23-year-old wasn’t good at making cornerstones either, but he’s better there than he’s short.
Lindor is eligible for the upcoming free agency offseason and could seek a deal close to $ 300 million. The Yankees are among the small number of teams that have the budget to make such an offer, and Lindor may be willing to sign a new contract a year earlier with so many talented shorttops (Trevor Story, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Javier Báez). will arrive on the market after 2021.
DJ first, then Bauer?
The Mets have been linked to nearly every big name on the market this off-season and LeMahieu’s signing wouldn’t necessarily preclude another move.
With a much needed right bat in the fold, the Mets may be more inclined to chase right-wing Trevor Bauer than playing for receiver JT Realmuto or center winger George Springer.
The Mets brought Marcus Stroman back via the $ 18.9 million qualifying offer, but his rotation is still unresolved behind ace Jacob deGrom, Stroman and David Peterson, as Noah Syndergaard is recovering from Tommy’s surgery. John. . Seth Lugo may be a starter, but he has proven to be better in the bullpen.
New York must also consider the future, with Stroman and Syndergaard eligible for free agency after 2021. Bauer’s signing for a multi-year contract would help in 2020 and provide Mets rotation insurance for 21 and beyond.
The Blue Jays turn their attention to the midfield
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in October that the team was willing to add a “high impact” player to this offseason.
Toronto has been linked to LeMahieu in various relationships and is said to also look to Springer and Jackie Bradley Jr. for midfield.
With LeMahieu no longer an option, the Blue Jays may be limiting their attention. And with the Mets potentially out of Springer, as we explained earlier, Toronto may be ready to go in and sign the three-time All-Star.
It could be the Dodgers or the failure of Arenado’s business opportunities
With a salary of $ 35 million for 2021 and the option to give up for the remaining five years and $ 164 million in his post-season deal, Nolan Arenado is expected to be bought this off-season.
While any trade would likely hinge on Arenado relinquishing his waiver power or at least withdrawing it, the list of clubs in need of a third base and interested in making that kind of financial commitment isn’t long.
If the Mets are removed from the equation following their hypothetical takeover of LeMahieu, they could leave the Dodgers as the Rockies’ only serious third base contender.
Citizens accelerate the search to hit the bat
Sources told Morosi that the Nationals are considering a number of options on the pitch, including LeMahieu and Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, who is a trade candidate with looming free will next season.
Washington has also been mentioned as Realmuto’s possible suitor after attempting to trade him for him two years ago. If LeMahieu went to his NL East rivals, the Nationals could focus on one of their other goals.
Thomas Harrigan / MLB.com
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