Yankees: 3 free agent replacements for DJ LeMahieu

Look, we don’t want it either. But the Yankees could move on from DJ LeMahieu.

And in case you’re wondering, no, “Javier Baez in 2021-22” doesn’t count as a viable DJ LeMahieu replacement for the Yankees.

So many moving pieces. So much time. So much to unpack there.

Odds are the Yankees and LeMahieu will still probably come together on a reunion, as everyone from Jeff Passan to Bob Costas seems to agree that the Bronx Bombers will “step up” when the time is right.

But as of now, saying it’s “not a sure thing” is the understatement of the century. The Yankees want to participate in the free agent shortstop frenzy of 2021, and LeMahieu being this good might’ve screwed up their grand plan. The two sides are over $25 million apart in their initial asks. That’s not good.

So, in the interest of fairness, who do the Yankees turn to this offseason if LeMahieu leaves? We’re thinking exclusively one-year deals, and it’s mostly shortstops, baby. There’s almost no chance Gleyber Torres opens the season at short if they allow their incumbent second baseman to pursue other offers, though we’ve allowed for that possibility with one of our selections.

We don’t blame you if you’d rather do anything other than read this list, but these are the most realistic fits.

3. Andrelton Simmons, SS

Andrelton Simmons is the likely Yankees Opening Day shortstop if DJ LeMahieu departs.

Though the Yankees very wisely balked at sending a king’s ransom to Atlanta back in the day for Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons, the near-consummated deal proves the team has always had its eye on the utterly elite defender.

Simmons is unlikely to command more than a one-year deal at this point, though there will be plenty of competition for his services, and his market could easily materialize before LeMahieu’s clarifies.

The 31-year-old would be the greatest shortstop anyone on the Yankees staff has every pitched in front of, and he’s an offensive threat to some extent, too, hitting .297 with a .346 OBP this past year prior to opting out. Mostly, Simmons is a contact hitter who won’t walk much, but can still provide jaw-dropping defense on a nightly basis — yes, even out of Didi Gregorius’ league.

The fit is a juicy one, though we’d still rather opt for long-term security and the known quantity in LeMahieu. It’s a very different left side of the infield with Urshela and Simmons, to say the least.