MLB Rumors 2019: Dodgers, Giants, Brewers Among Teams Interested In Top Free Agent Second Baseman

DJ LeMahieu Colorado Rockies — DJ LeMahieu #9 of the Colorado Rockies hits a leadoff single before advancing to second base in the ninth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field on August 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

While the big names like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado still might not sign for a while, the market for second basemen in 2019 MLB free agency is taking shape. Brian Dozier and Jed Lowrie agreed to contracts Thursday, and another notable name could land a deal soon.

DJ LeMahieu is drawing plenty of interest around the league. Jon Heyman reported on MLB Network Friday morning that the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays are all possible destinations for the 30-year-old.

Tampa Bay appears to be the biggest longshot in the race for LeMahieu. Los Angeles has been linked to the second baseman since early on in the offseason, and they might be the favorites to acquire the veteran.

DJ LeMahieu signing with the Rays appears very unlikely, according to a source. Several teams interested, but some rival execs believe the Dodgers are the frontrunners for the second baseman. Giants are also in play as the continue to listen to offers for Joe Panik.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 11, 2019

The infield market is about to start moving quickly with Brian Dozier headed to the Nationals, league sources tell ESPN. D.J. LeMahieu and Jed Lowrie are in play, and there’s a new name percolating: The Giants are talking with teams about deals for Joe Panik, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 10, 2019

LeMahieu might very well be the best second baseman available with players like Lowrie and Daniel Murphy off the market. Marwin Gonzalez can play second base, though he’s spent most of his time in the outfield and at shortstop in recent years. Murphy signed with the Colorado Rockies, with whom LeMahieu has played the last seven seasons.

It was just three seasons ago that LeMahieu won the NL batting title with a .348 average. He hit over .300 in every season from 2015-2017, making the NL All-Star team twice during that time. LeMahieu hit .276/.321/.428 with 15 home runs in 128 games in the 2018 season.

LeMahieu won the Gold Glove award in each of the last two seasons. He's averaged a 3.4 WAR over the last four seasons.

Major league baseball