The Yankees’ slow off-season is starting to become a problem for Michael Kay.
Play-by-play man YES Network and host ESPN Radio took over the team on Thursday, following the Mets transaction for Francisco Lindor.
The Yankees’ off-season is apparently on hold until DJ LeMahieu – the team’s top priority – makes his free agency decision. The icy-paced baseball season allows for patience, but that changed on Thursday, at least for Kay.
“Here’s the deal: I’ve always felt a perfect Plan B if you didn’t sign DJ LeMahieu would be to pivot, to take Francisco Lindor, to move Gleyber Torres to second place. Boom, you’ve improved your defenses, “Kay said on NJ.com.
“I’ve always been very, very honest when people said, ‘Why doesn’t LeMahieu sign?’ I said, “Well, what’s the rush?” The big players (free agent) are still there. Trevor Bauer did not sign. George Springer did not sign. JT Realmuto did not sign. And the DJ didn’t sign. Very slow market. But if this slow-moving chicken game that the Yankees and LeMahieu play with each other costs Lindor a chance, it’s a bad thing. “
The Yankees are determined not to exceed the $ 210 million luxury tax threshold this season, leaving them to spend about $ 30 million.
Prior to the acquisition of Lindor, the Mets were considered one of the potential challenges for LeMahieu. The Dodgers and Blue Jays remain threats.
Joel Sherman of The Post reported in mid-December that the Yankees and LeMahieu were $ 25 million apart in contract negotiations. In addition to the desire to retain LeMahieu, the Yankees also have a blatant lack of depth in rotation. The Mets trade also attracted veteran quality holder Carlos Carrasco.
“You can’t stay here until February and let DJ LeMahieu make a decision,” said Kay, who started his show Thursday an hour earlier to discuss the latest Lindor news.
“And if you’re DJ LeMahieu, you can’t sit there and let the Yankees play their game. They both have to come together: “What’s the best deal for me right now?” And if the DJ’s agent told them (to the Yankees), “The only way we’re going to do this is five years,” when he knows it’s going to take four … He has to come to a meeting with Jesus and say exactly what the business is, because if all these jobs cost you plan B, it’s not good.
“Now is the time to do it or get out of the pot. “Are you going to sign with us or not?” Are you going to make me an offer or not? Pretty game. “