Red Sox Rumors: D.J. LeMahieu plans to re-engage interested teams
Free-agent D.J. LeMahieu intends to re-engage with the Red Sox
As many teams have sought out talent via trade or low-profile signings this offseason, there are several talented players who are in search of work for the 2021 season. Last night, reports emerged that second baseman D.J. LeMahieu had grown tired of waiting for New York to make him an offer and planned to reengage parties who had reached out for his services early in the offseason. The Boston Red Sox were among those teams.
LeMahieu is a versatile player who can play multiple infield positions so his ties to teams in need of defense do not come as a surprise. The Red Sox had been known to be in search of a second baseman and LeMahieu’s ties to Boston were pure speculation.
The Red Sox had not been officially confirmed as a suitor for the 32-year-old until a report from Yahoo Sports’ Tim Brown late last night.
Other interested teams within the American League East include the Blue Jays, along with multiple National League teams in the mix, most notably the defending title-winning Dodgers.
The potential reunion with the Yankees should not be ruled out but the fact that New York has taken this long to prioritize the diverse infielder serves as a reason to believe that they have other plans.
The Red Sox might have shown interest at first glance, but Chaim Bloom’s comments back in December regarding the organization’s value of the second-round draft pick that it would cost to reel in the star deems the fit unlikely.
LeMahieu had been reportedly looking for at least a five-year deal worth around $125 million, which would have him in the fold for longer than some teams might be willing to pay. A player set to turn 33 in July will be 38 by the end of his tenure with his respective team, should he end up securing the contract he desires.
In an offseason with little to no certainty, organizational leaders are taking their time for a reason. To this point, not a single free agent with a qualifying offer attached to their name has signed with a team. Still, many of these players are not holding back, looking for the maximum sum of money they can possibly reel in. Whether that is a feasible option given the circumstances is uncertain.
Boston is looking to get younger and build its farm system, signing a player with a qualifying offer attached will restrict them from gaining an extra pick and block some of their up and coming talent from getting everyday playing time.
While LeMahieu and the Yankees may no longer be a sure thing, Boston’s status as a significant suitor is uncertain. The team is still in the market for pitching and appears to be prioritizing hurlers as recent reports suggest.
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Boston could still add a second baseman but might take a different approach in searching for a more affordable candidate and as stated above, does not have a draft pick compensation tied to his name.