New York Yankees 2020 Projections: DJ LeMahieu

DJ LeMahieu will be a hit machine for the Yankees

DJ LeMahieu is poised to carry his successful 2019 into the 2020 MLB season, as one of the best all-around players on the New York Yankees.

In his first season in the Bronx, DJ LeMahieu instantly became a fan favorite because of his stellar defense as well as his top-notch hitting. He was arguably the best free-agent signing heading into the 2019 season because he a great player all around. LeMahieu was one of the most consistent Yankees, both defensively and offensively. He can also play multiple positions, which makes him a desirable player for the Yankees, who have a history of injuries to top players. In 2019, LeMahieu played first base (primarily in the postseason), second base, and third base. Despite his lack of speed, his ability to make contact on the baseball makes him the perfect leadoff hitter for New York.

After playing the majority of his career in the NL, there was skepticism that he could be successful in the AL. LeMahieu quickly put those rumors to bed by batting .327, 197 hits, 26 home runs, and 102 RBI. Defensively LeMahieu only recorded eight errors between first, second, and third base. He earned the right to start at second base in the All-Star game last season as well as a Silver Slugger.

How would LeMahieu follow up his fantastic first season in the Bronx? The answer to that question will come at some point in 2020. For now, let’s just make some predictions of LeMahieu’s stat line for 2020.

Last year LeMahieu had his best offensive season in terms of home runs, RBI, slugging %, and hits. He appeared in 145 games, and it is doubtful that the Yankees will be playing the same amount of games in 2020.

LeMahieu is a hit machine, so it doesn’t matter how many games the Yankees play in 2020, expect him to hit over .300 again. However, the number of home runs, hits, and RBI are the numbers that will go down for obvious reasons. LeMahieu certainly has the power to hit at least 15 home runs. The Yankees lineup is stacked from top to bottom, and the opportunity to drive in runs will undoubtedly be there when LeMahieu comes up to bat. LeMahieu has the chance to drive in at least 60 runs, and it is possible that he can approach 100 hits.

Yankees: 2021 Replacements for DJ LeMahieu

The New York Yankees may need to (gulp) replace DJ LeMahieu in 2021, and these free agent infield options could be solid solutions.

All in all, with the shortened 2020 MLB season, this could be telling sign that LeMahieu can work under tremendous pressure and can earn himself a contract extension after the season.