3 reasons DJ LeMahieu needs to be Yankees’ No. 1 priority

1. He’s the best free agent available

Why would the Yankees not pay for the best free agent on the market?

Watching this team bring in high-priced guys who fail has been a common theme in recent years, but in LeMahieu, they got it right. In fact, even if the team has to overpay for his services on this next contract, he is going to be well worth the money because 2019 and 2020 came at a significant discount. That’s the way the Yankees have to look at this.

DJLM is the best free agent available and there’s no reason not to get this done as soon as possible. Don’t believe us?

The Yankees slugger leads all free-agent second baseman in WAR. The other free-agent leaders at their positions? JT Realmuto, Carlos Santana, Marcus Semien, Justin Turner, Marcell Ozuna, Nelson Cruz, Michael Brantley, Adam Eaton, George Springer, Charlie Morton and Liam Hendriks. It’s safe to say LeMahieu is the best option out of all of those guys, probably except Springer, who is going to command a mega deal the Yankees wouldn’t want to pay anyway. Plus, they have no room in the outfield at the moment.

LeMahieu has proven to be one of the most reliable Yankees in terms of health and staying on the field. He’s the engine that powers the Yankees’ offense, regardless of the presence of so many power bats behind him. He gets the rallies started and he keeps them going.

Also, the current Yankees roster is filled with young players, and LeMahieu will be counted on as a veteran anchor for a team that will be expected to compete for a championship again next season.

LeMahieu’s prime lines right up with the Yankees best chance to win a World Series. This deal needs to be done ASAP.

3 former Yankees Brian Cashman should avoid signing in free agency

The New York Yankees have the opportunity to reunite with a few former members of their roster in free agency in 2021. They should not do that.