Bringing D.J. LeMahieu to Flushing may seem like a pipe dream, a “pie in the sky” fantasy with no chance of ever actually happening.
But just imagine if it did.
The Mets, already the talk of the MLB offseason thanks to braggadocious new owner Steve Cohen, would do more than just one-up their crosstown rivals by signing LeMahieu. A LeMahieu acquisition would instantly transform the Mets from the “other” team in New York to the true toast of the town.
To be fair, LeMahieu is not the top priority for the Mets this winter. The club still needs to plug holes in its starting rotation, and to secure a contract with center fielder George Springer. LeMahieu would still represent a serious infield upgrade for the Mets, who are planning to start the defensively challenged J.D. Davis at the hot corner.
The Hot Corner Conundrum
Instead of moving Jeff McNeil from his natural position of second base or experimenting with Amed Rosario at third, the simplest solution to the Mets’ third base deficiency would be to acquire a player who offers defensive value at multiple positions. LeMahieu is just that: though primarily a second baseman, he’s played over 100 career games at third, where he’s been slightly above average (career +1 DRS).
LeMahieu is a cheaper alternative to potential trade target Nolan Arenado because he will cost nothing in terms of prospects, and because his desired contract (reportedly 5 years, $100 million) is far less burdensome than the $199 million remaining on Arenado’s deal. The Yankees and LeMahieu are said to be about $25 million apart in their negotiations, giving the Mets an ideal opportunity to swoop in and steal him from their Bronx counterparts.
The Yankees would still be a postseason team without LeMahieu, but his versatility and bat-to-ball skills are virtually irreplaceable. LeMahieu’s presence has prevented the Yankees from becoming a one-dimensional “home run or nothing” offense over the past two seasons. If paired with Jeff McNeil in the Mets order, LeMahieu’s line drive approach and miniscule strikeout rate could give the Amazin’s one of the most consistent offenses in baseball.
Searle’s Final Say
Why should the Mets care about weakening the Yankees, a team that plays in a completely separate league? Aside from earning bragging rights as the most desirable landing spot in New York, signing LeMahieu would prove that the Mets’ days as cellar dwellers and spendthrifts are a thing of the past. When the Mets made their unlikely World Series run in 2015, the 7 Line sold banners bearing the slogan “Take Back New York.” In the end, though, the team’s resurgence in popularity was about more than outshining the Yankees. If the 2015 season proved anything, it’s that the Flushing Faithful’s fervor is unmatched, especially when the organization goes all out to win. Signing LeMahieu would electrify the fan base and allow the franchise to shed its past reputation as the underdog of New York baseball.
