Report: Yankees, Mets top suitors for LeMahieu, Blue Jays also involved

The bidding war for DJ LeMahieu could come down to two crosstown rivals.

The two-time batting champion prefers to remain in New York, which means the Yankees and Mets are the favorites to sign the free-agent infielder, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.

LeMahieu has already expressed his desire to re-sign with the Yankees. However, the Mets are reportedly second on his list based on location. They're looking for a new second baseman after Robinson Cano was banned for the entire 2021 campaign due to a second failed PED test.

Mets owner Steve Cohen said Wednesday that Cano's $24-million salary for next season will be used on players.

Meanwhile, the Yankees and LeMahieu haven't made any significant progress on a new contract, sources told Davidoff. The 32-year-old rejected the Bronx Bomber's $18.9-million qualifying offer for 2021.

The Toronto Blue Jays are also reportedly in on the three-time All-Star, but they're at a geographic disadvantage.

LeMahieu finished third in AL MVP voting in 2020 after slashing .364/.421/.590 with 10 home runs in 50 games. The three-time Gold Glove winner also placed fourth in MVP voting in 2019. He's picked up back-to-back Silver Slugger Awards over the last two years as well.