The Yankees on Monday officially announced the signing of Gold Glove winner DJ LeMahieu for two years, adding to their infield depth _ with or without Manny Machado. LeMahieu's contract is reportedly worth $24 million.
The Yankees designated outfielder Tim Locastro for assignment in a corresponding move.
While the Yankees are still not out of the Machado race, LeMahieu's signing provides much-needed insurance, and a secure glove who can play second and third base. With Didi Gregorius out until at least midseason while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Troy Tulowitzki as their presumed starting shortstop _ he hasn't played since 2017 because of injury and heel surgery _ the Yankees needed to solve a particularly tricky riddle.
With LeMahieu, though, Gleyber Torres could move to shortstop if needed, with LeMahieu playing second, the position where he won all three of his Gold Gloves. He'll also be able to back up third baseman Miguel Andujar, who can be a defensive liability in big-game situations.
LeMahieu, 30, has played 892 games at second, 41 at third and four games apiece at shortstop and first. According to FanGraphs, LeMahieu was sixth in baseball last year in runs saved (18), tops in that category among second basemen and seventh in overall defensive value.
The two-time All-Star also won a National League batting title with the Rockies in 2016, hitting .348, and he's a career .298 hitter. LeMahieu was drafted by the Cubs but has played nearly all of his eight-year career with the Rockies. He hit a career-high 15 home runs last year, and compiled a .276/.321/.428 slash line along with 62 RBIs.
It's still unclear if this signing takes the Yankees out of the Machado sweepstakes. Machado, a Gold Glove third baseman who would prefer to start at shortstop, is being pursued heavily by the Phillies and White Sox.
