While the Colorado Rockies have been slow to sign players this offseason — only landing Daniel Murphy so far — they have now lost one of their most key players in DJ LeMahieu.
According to reports this morning out of New York City, the Yankees have signed LeMahieu to a two-year, $24 million deal.
Yankees are closing in on a two-year deal with infielder DJ LeMahieu,
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) January 11, 2019
And according to Curry, the Rockies former second baseman will play not only at second, but all across the infield:
The Yankees plan to use LeMahieu as a versatile player around the infield. They will use him at second base, first base and third base.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) January 11, 2019
Losing LeMahieu comes as no surprise to Rockies fans as it’s been rumored to be happening for months. But, it still stings, especially when he goes to the “Damned Yankees.”
The Yankees went after Manny Machado, but signing LeMahieu — along with another former Rockies player in Troy Tulowitzki — signals they will not be able to land Machado this offseason.
Outside of his rookie season, where he played sparingly for the Chicago Cubs, LeMahieu’s competed for the last seven years for the Rockies at second base. In 2015, he was named to his first All-Star Game and his .348 batting average in 2016 was the best in the National League. Then, 2017 brought LeMahieu’s second All-Star Game appearance and despite battling injuries, he earned his third Gold Glove.
Over the last four years, LeMahieu has been a solid bat in the middle of the lineup for the Rockies, delivering some power at times, too, averaging 28.3 doubles and 10 home runs over that time frame.
Plus, he was a fan-favorite, making this move hurt even more.
LeMahieu leaving opens the door for Garrett Hampson or Brendan Rodgers to take over as the team’s everyday second baseman starting in 2019. Luckily for the Rockies, their farm system has long been one of the best in Major League Baseball, and it’s time to see what one of those young guns can do.
