3 reasons the Yankees won’t break the bank for D.J. LeMahieu

1. Gleyber Torres’ inability to play shortstop

LeMahieu gives the Yankees the most possible value when he plays second base. He is a legitimate MVP candidate at that spot on the diamond. He projects to play gold glove defense there while also contending for batting titles on an annual basis.

The problem the Yankees have with that plan is Gleyber Torres. The team wants him to be their shortstop of both the present and future, but his defense at short is sub-par. His struggles with the glove at short last year recently prompted Cashman to admit that second base is actually Torres’ best position.

Torres’ ability to be one of the most productive hitters in all of baseball means he remains a key part of the Yankees’ long-term plans. It’s conceivable that New York is ready to move him to second base if LeMahieu doesn’t drop his asking price. That would force the team to acquire a new starting shortstop, but guys like Francisco Lindor or Trevor Story could be acquired via trade to fill that void.

There’s nothing stopping the Yankees from playing LeMahieu somewhere else. He would, for example, be an upgrade over Luke Voit at first base. LeMahieu’s standout defense just isn’t as valuable for a team at first though. That plan would lower the amount of money New York would be willing to give LeMahieu.

Ultimately, Torres is the single factor most likely to cause LeMahieu’s departure. The odds still favor him returning to the Bronx, but if he does sign elsewhere, New York fans can blame Torres’ defense for the organization’s unpopular decision.