Yankees re-sign DJ LeMahieu: DJ LeMahieu is staying in New York on a six-year, $90 million extension. This is great news for his fantasy baseball value and the New York Yankees’ 2021 outlook, as they’re able to retain one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball.
Yankees re-sign DJ LeMahieu: MLB Betting, Fantasy Baseball Outlook
LeMahieu provides stability at the top of the order, setting the tone for the sluggers in this stacked lineup.
DJ LeMahieu: 2020 Review
LeMahieu was excellent last season, slashing .364/.421/.590 with 41 runs, 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and 3 stolen bases in 216 plate appearances, according to Baseball Reference.
He put up a career-best strikeout rate (9.7 K%) with a 1.4 K-BB%, demonstrating elite plate discipline. He also posted a .429 wOBA (4th) and 177 wRC+ (4th), ranking among the best hitters in baseball.
Entering his age-33 season, LeMahieu is showing no signs of slowing down.
DJ LeMahieu Re-Signing: 2021 Outlook
LeMahieu is a fixture atop the Yankees lineup, batting leadoff in every game last season. We can safely project him to retain his role, giving him a 90-run floor with a ceiling of 110+ runs.
LeMahieu has hit .300 or better in five of his last six seasons, so there’s a good chance that streak continues since there hasn’t been any decline in his plate discipline or batted ball profile. While it’s unlikely that he’ll hit 26 home runs again like in 2019, he should be able to hit 18-20.
Verdict: Maintained value. Staying in New York helps LeMahieu maintain his fantasy value as a high-floor contact hitter, but his middling power and speed combined with high ADP makes him a player to avoid.
LeMahieu is currently being selected at 26 ADP in National Fantasy Baseball Championship leagues, ahead of players with more upside like Corey Seager and Nolan Arenado. That’s too expensive.
Betting Tips for LeMahieu, Yankees
The Yankees finished with a 33-27 record in the shortened 2020 season, finishing 2nd in the AL East and returning to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
They had a Pythagorean Win-Loss Record of 34-26, slightly better than their actual record. They also averaged 5.3 runs per game (4th), even with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton missing extended time.
Retaining LeMahieu was huge for the Yankees because they maintained stability at the top of their order. They should remain as one of the best teams in baseball with an explosive offense.
Yankees World Series Futures Bet
The Yankees are listed as +600 to win the World Series at BetMGM, placing them 2nd behind the Dodgers. While they’re definitely contenders, there’s not enough value there for me to lay a bet.
Yankees Win Total Bet
While season win totals are not available yet, I would project the number at about 90 wins. I’d recommend betting on the Over, considering they played at a 90-win pace with a roster ravaged by injuries.
⚾ After you finish reading “Yankees re-sign DJ LeMahieu," place a bet on MLB futures at any of our preferred sportsbooks. ⚾
