Yankees Sign DJ LeMahieu, Are They Out on Manny Machado?

The speculation ever since Didi Gregorius needed Tommy John Surgery was over how the Yankees would fill the shortstop position until he was healthy enough to return. The options seemed to include signing Manny Machado or moving Gleyber Torres for the first half of the season over from his second base spot. New York has widened the possibilities though with the signing of Troy Tulowitzki and now another free agent addition on the infield.

Is DJ LeMahieu an insurance policy or an everyday option for the Yankees? According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, New York signed the second baseman to a two-year, $24 million contract on Friday and now brings into question the Yankees' remaining interest in Machado. On the days Tulowitzki isn't playing shortstop, Torres can slide over and LeMahieu can play second. Adding Machado might only be done now with the understanding he'll play third base primarily which, of course, would make AL rookie of the year runner up Miguel Andujar expendable.

For a two-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove award winner and a former batting champ, DJ LeMahieu lasted longer on the open market than many thought he might. His age, 30 years old, and the fact that he has called Coors Field home the last seven seasons are factors against him, but many of LeMahieu's road power numbers compare favorably to those while playing in the Mile High City the last two seasons.