Mets Predicted to Sign Former Yankees Star as Utility Man

Three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner D.J. LeMahieu could join the Mets as a backup to Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:57pm

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The New York Mets are reportedly considering signing former Yankees star D.J. LeMahieu to a veteran's minimum contract to serve as a utility infielder behind Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco. LeMahieu, a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, was released by the Yankees last offseason and could provide valuable depth for the Mets.

Why it matters

The Mets are looking to add depth to their infield, and LeMahieu's defensive versatility and on-base skills could make him a valuable addition. Signing the former Yankees star would also be seen as a "gut punch" to their cross-town rivals, who released LeMahieu despite his strong track record.

The details

In 45 games for the Yankees in 2025, LeMahieu hit .266/.338/.336 with 3 doubles, 2 home runs, and 12 RBIs. While he's not a power hitter, he gets on base and can move runners over, which fits the Mets' offensive approach. The Mets would only need to offer LeMahieu the veteran's minimum, as the Yankees are still paying him, making it a low-risk, high-reward move for New York.

  • The Mets are currently 5-4 on the season and second-to-last in the NL East.
  • LeMahieu was released by the Yankees last offseason.

The players

D.J. LeMahieu

A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner who was released by the New York Yankees last offseason.

Bo Bichette

The Mets' starting shortstop.

Jorge Polanco

The Mets' starting second baseman.

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What they’re saying

“The Yankees DFA'd DJ LeMahieu last winter after seven years. He's 37 years old, but he's also a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner with serious pedigree. As a depth piece, nothing more and nothing less, LeMahieu is still worth a look. No team scoops up former Yankees quite so frequently as the crosstown Mets, who almost make it a point of pride.”

— Christopher Kline, FanSided Writer

What’s next

The Mets will need to decide whether to offer LeMahieu a contract and how much to pay him.

The takeaway

Signing LeMahieu would provide the Mets with a versatile and experienced infielder to bolster their depth, while also serving as a symbolic victory over their cross-town rivals, the Yankees, who released the former star.