Report: LeMahieu finalizing deal to return to Yankees

The New York Yankees and DJ LeMahieu are nearing a deal to bring back the slugger to the Bronx. Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Report: D.J. LeMahieu finalizing deal to return to Yankees

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/15/21

D.J. LeMahieu's chances of returning to the New York Yankees seemed slim after he re-engaged in contract negotiations with other interested clubs around Major League Baseball.

However, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the free-agent second baseman is finalizing a deal to return to the Bronx. The contract details have not yet been reported.

Source: DJ LeMahieu is finalizing an agreement to return to the #Yankees. The deal could be completed as soon as today. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 15, 2021

LeMahieu and the Yankees were reportedly more than $25 million apart in contract negotiations, sources told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. The two-time batting title winner supposedly was seeking a five-year, $100 million deal. It's unclear if New York offered him a deal in that range.

In December, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Toronto Blue Jays emerged as "significant players" in the LeMahieu sweepstakes. The New York Mets, Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox also were reportedly interested in LeMahieu's services.

In two seasons wearing the Pinstripes, LeMahieu hit .336 with 129 RBI and 36 home runs. He won the batting title last season after hitting .364 and also placed third in American League MVP voting.

The 32-year-old was among some of the league's top free agents this offseason, including George Springer, Marcell Ozuna and J.T. Realmuto.

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