How DJ LeMahieu has a $15 million impact on Yankees' free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees are one of the most expensive teams in Major League Baseball, sitting among the most expensive rosters across baseball.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut, while the Los Angeles Dodgers are still expected to spend this winter, as are the New York Mets, the Yankees have been reportedly planning to be careful with their payroll.
As Bryan Hoch of MLB.com identified, the Yankees, with Hal Steinbrenner planning to keep payroll limited, the contract of DJ LeMahieu could wind up being a massive hindrance to New York's free agent plans.
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"Of what Steinbrenner said was a $319 million payroll," Hoch writes, "there were large expenditures toward Marcus Stroman ($18.5 million), DJ LeMahieu ($15 million), and even Aaron Hicks ($10.785 million)."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile those numbers are from the 2025 season, in 2026, LaMahieu will carry a $15 million contract charge for the Yankees, while Hicks will be on the books for $1 million.
Neither is with the team, and their combined $16 million has a large impact on how the Yankees approach their free agent plans.
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While Hoch urges the Yankees not to let these contracts impact their free agent plans, "but that can't hinder the Yanks as they look to strengthen their core around Judge," the Yankees might let it impact things thanks to Steinbrenner's intention not to overspend.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrian Cashman also revealed that "There's certain salary levels we'll tag out at," which highlights the $15 million that is missing, which is allocated to LeMahieu on the Yankees' books.
If the Yankees had that extra money, then they might be more aggressive in free agency, whether it's adding another pitcher or trying to pursue Kyle Tucker more heavily.
The Yankees are still going to try and re-sign Cody Bellinger, but the presence of LaMahiues' contract is hurting the Yankees' free agency plans this offseason.
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