BOSTON — For all anybody knows, DJ LeMahieu could be back to playing with his best friend before the end of the week. And it sounds like the Yankees infielder would be all for it.
Talks between the Yankees and the Rockies about a potential deal that would send star shortstop Trevor Story to the Bronx continued over the weekend, a source told NJ Advance Media. The source requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly. The trade deadline is Friday.
“He’s one of my best friends in baseball,” LeMahieu told NJ Advance Media on Saturday. “I can’t really say enough good things.”
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LeMahieu and story played together in Colorado from 2016-2018 — until LeMahieu signed with the Yankees. He heaped praise on Story, a two-time All-Star and one of the best all-around shortstops in the game.
“Baseball-wise, obviously, it kind of speaks for itself. He’s extremely talented and does all the little things well. He’s fast. He plays good defense. He’s a good player,” LeMahieu said.
LeMahieu said that he spoke recently with Story, and though LeMahieu admitted to keeping track of the trade rumors around the league at this time of year, the pair didn’t talk about the 28-year-old’s future.
“We were just catching up,” he said.
If the Yankees were to add Story, it likely would set off a chain of events that would lead to a position change for LeMahieu. Acquiring Story would almost definitely push Gleyber Torres from shortstop to second base and LeMahieu to first base. Luke Voit (knee) is on the injured list, but he could possibly DH or work into a rotation with LeMahieu, who’s also a capable defender at third base. Story is also capable of playing center field.
Story has had a down year at the plate, hitting .242 with 12 homers, 46 RBI and a .737 OPS in 85 games. Still, he has a career .860 OPS and his defense would be a big improvement over Torres, plus it would allow Torres to play a less taxing position.
The Yankees have been everywhere in the trade market. The source added that Cashman’s front office had also been in contact with the Marlins about center fielder Starling Marte and with the Twins about outfielder Max Kepler. They would also like to add pitching.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, as many as eight teams have reached out to the Rockies about Story, including the White Sox. LeMahieu offered a glowing scouting report on the Texas native.
“He can hit any fastball,” LeMahieu said. “He’s a really good fastball hitter. He does the little things, too. He’ll move a guy. He’s a team guy. Physically, he’s just extremely talented. He’ll take anyone’s heater away from them.
“He makes all the routine plays and he’s got the ability to make some very athletic plays. He turns hits into outs. To me, his defensive game has really grown over the years. He’s gotten way better. Not that he was bad, but he’s more consistent, which you should be at shortstop.”
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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
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July 26, 2021 at 06:02PM
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MLB rumors: Potential Yankees-Rockies trade would reunite ‘best friends’ Trevor Story, DJ LeMahieu - NJ.com
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