New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu will likely be playing for another team in 2021. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

D.J. LeMahieu rejects Yankees' qualifying offer, will become free agent

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/11/20

D.J. LeMahieu's tenure with the New York Yankees may be coming to a close.

The three-time Gold Glove second baseman will reportedly reject the Yankees' one-year, $18.9 million qualifying offer and will become a free agent, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

D.J. LeMahieu will not accept the Yankees’ $18.9 million qualifying offer by Wednesday’s deadline, per source. Not a surprising development, as LeMahieu has put together two stellar seasons in New York and is considered to be one of the top free agents on the market.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 11, 2020

LeMahieu, a batting title winner in back-to-back seasons, is a finalist for the MVP award. If he decides to sign with a team other than the Yankees, New York will receive draft-pick compensation.

The 32-year-old signed with the Yankees in free agency two years ago after seven seasons with the Colorado Rockies. In two seasons with New York, LeMahieu cemented himself as one of baseball's best second basemen. He slashed .336/.386/.536 with 36 home runs and 129 RBI in that span. On top of that, he secured two Silver Slugger awards.

LeMahieu will become one of the most sought-after free agents when he hits the market, joining J.T. Realmuto, Marcus Semien and George Springer. He's drawing interest from the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays.

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