Chicago Cubs Rumors: Should the team sign DJ LeMahieu?

The Chicago Cubs reuniting with infielder DJ LeMahieu would add consistency to the team, which has been missing for quite some time.

The slug-first offensive approach of the Chicago Cubs was a let down again this season. Whether or not there are major moves this winter remains to be seen, but if the team plans to bring consistency to the lineup, they should look no further than the 2020 American League Batting Champion–DJ LeMahieu.

Originally drafted by the Cubs, LeMahieu made his MLB debut in 2011, where he played just 37 games on the North Side. Following the new regime with President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, the infielder was traded to the Rockies the following offseason and Tyler Colvin in exchange for Ian Stewart and Casey Weathers.

LeMahieu wasn’t in the franchise’s original rebuilding plans, but seeing what he has done since leaving the team makes you wish he were. The 32-year old has turned himself into a 3x All-Star, 3x Gold Glove winner, and has raised his career batting average to .305.

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In an era where teams like the Cubs have turned into a “swing for the fences” style of offense, LeMahieu has added some power, yet keeps his game simple and gives a professional at-bat every time he’s at the plate.

DJ LeMahieu Last Five Seasons:

2016: (146 games) 11 HR 66 RBI .348 BA .911 OPS (NL Batting Champ)

2017: (155 games) 8 HR 64 RBI .310 BA .783 OPS

2018: (128 games) 15 HR 62 RBI .276 BA .749 OPS

2019: (145 games) 26 HR 102 RBI .327 BA .893 OPS

2020: (50 games) 10 HR 27 RBI .364 BA 1.011 OPS (AL Batting Champ)

This is a type of hitter we have not had in a long time, and seeing the value he brought to a power-heavy Yankees lineup makes me believe he can bring the same balance to the Cubs.

LeMahieu is also great with his glove and has played at least one game at every position on the infield in his career.

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It would be a reach, but if the Cubs were to make this happen, they would have to bring out their checkbooks and probably deal one of their current infielders. If someone like Baez or Bryant were traded, this is the kind of move that should be made to ensure some stability in the sense you know what you are getting in a player like LeMahieu.

LeMahieu is currently in the final year of a two-year/$24 million deal with the Yankees, and talks of an extension during this season have reached a halt. On the other side of 30, he will probably be looking at a three or four-year type of deal at the most. Just how much the Yankees will be willing to pay to keep the infielder around remains to be seen, but the team would be foolish not to give it a shot.

The idea of the Cubs trading LeMahiue with Epstein’s arrival and possibly re-acquiring LeMahiue with Epstein’s departure is almost poetic in a way, with the two sides coming full-circle.

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Of course, all offseason decisions and plans depend on whether or not there will be a full 162-game season, which is probably why the Yankees have not extended their batting-champ.

Before the Cubs sign any free-agents this offseason, there is one essential question that needs to be answered: What is the plan for this current roster?

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