Grading each member of the Yankees infield
DJ LeMahieu
When the Yankees inked LeMahieu to a two-year, $24 million deal in the offseason the plan was for him to be a utility infielder who could provide depth at multiple positions. Instead, injuries have forced him to be an everyday starter. Most of his starts have come at second base, but he’s also played a healthy amount at third.
The results have been better than any member of the Yankees front office could have realistically hoped for. His .313 batting average has given the power hitters behind him plenty of chances to drive in runs. He’s been so good with the bat that Boone has installed him as the team’s lead-off hitter. He does a great job of taking pitches and setting the tone from that spot in the order.
It’s LeMahieu’s defense that has really taken Yankees fans by surprise. They know about his reputation as a gold glover, but he’s been even better than advertised with the glove. His range is better than his tall, lanky body type might lead onlookers to believe. LeMahieu makes almost every play possible with his sure hands.
Add it all up and you have another Yankee infielder who has a legitimate case to make an All-Star game appearance. His lack of power numbers will probably keep him out of the mix, but he’s been an excellent free agent addition for New York.