New York Yankees Logo (Image Credit: Getty Images)

MLB Rumors: Former Yankees Star Emerges As Potential Fit For Crosstown Rival

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Cresswell McCoy | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 12:29 PM ET

The New York Yankees are off to a fine start this MLB season. They have taken a huge lead in the AL East division and are ready to make another playoff run. The Yanks made a few big moves this offseason. One of those was retaining Cody Bellinger.

They brought back Paul Goldschmidt and a few other players, but never retained DJ LeMahieu or Anthony Rizzo. LeMahieu is not officially retired. The former Yankees star just didn’t get a contract. For now, LeMahieu remains a free agent.

The slugger would be willing to join a team if he got the right contract. Sadly, the market for LeMahieu has been a disaster. However, an MLB analyst has linked him to the Yankees’ crosstown rival.

MLB Analyst Says New York Mets Could Be A Potential Fit For The Former Yankees Star

Christopher Kline of Fansided wrote that LeMahieu stands a chance with the New York Mets. He mentioned that no team picks up former Yankee players like the Mets.

“No team scoops up former Yankees quite so frequently as the crosstown Mets, who almost make it a point of pride. With Brett Baty as the primary DH, New York doesn’t have a ton of infield depth at the moment,” Kline wrote.

DJ LeMahieu (Image Credits: Imagn)

The Mets have the money to sign the former Yankees star. However, it’s worth noting that LeMahieu’s numbers were miserable last season. He recorded a 674 OPS and 91 OPS+ across 128 at-bats.

The good news is that he’s a veteran player who has the ability to lead. LeMahieu can be a tough contender if given the right opportunity. A short-term deal with a minimal contract would work, especially since he’s 37.

The Yankees are not going to bring him back. They have enough players on their team, and LeMahieu is off the table. The Mets might make sense, but will they really sign the veteran? That’s left to be seen.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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