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Yankees news: 3 best moves of the offseason so far

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees in action against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 14, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 10-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 14: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees in action against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 14, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 10-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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D.J. LeMahieu, New York Yankees
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees celebrates his fourth inning home run against the Toronto Blue Jays with teammate Luke Voit #59 at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 10-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

1. Re-signing DJ LeMahieu

It may have taken the Yankees longer to re-sign LeMahieu than many fans were comfortable with, but it all worked out in the end between the team and the All-Star infielder. Inking LeMahieu to a six-year, $90 million deal should provide the Yankees with terrific value in the near-term.

Losing him could have been disastrous for New York. His Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base does a lot to raise the effectiveness of the Yankee infield. More impactful is the elite contact skills he provides for the team’s batting order. In a team of swing-and-miss sluggers, LeMahieu stands out as an outstanding contact hitter who still manages to hit for plus power for a middle infielder.

There’s also something to be said for LeMahieu’s calming influence inside what can be a tumultuous New York locker room. He’s a consummate professional who never seems rattled by the pressure of playing in MLB’s largest media market. That poise helps the Yankees in ways that don’t show up in the box score.

Next. Projecting the Yankees' 2021 starting rotation. dark

It’s possible the LeMahieu contract will look like an overpay in its final seasons, but the value in 2021 should look great for the Yankees. He needs to lead the team to a World Series title to really secure a place as a Yankee legend, but that possibility shouldn’t be ruled out anytime soon.

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