Yankees sign LeMahieu to shore up infield

DJ LeMahieu reached an agreement with the New York Yankees on a twoyear, $24 million deal, according to multiple sources. LeMahieu will join the Yankees after seven impressive seasons at second base with the Colorado Rockies that included two All-Star selections, three Gold Glove Awards and the 2016 National League batting title.

LeMahieu, 30, ranked as one of the best defensive players in the National League in 2018 and led all major leaguers — at any position — in defensive regression analysis. He likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.

Offensively, LeMahieu is a slap hitter, batting .276 with 15 home runs, 62 RBIs, 90 runs and 6 stolen bases in 2018.

The Yankees have been seeking infield help in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Astros

Third baseman Alex Bregman had arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow and is expected to be ready by opening day. General manager Jeff Luhnow said the procedure was to remove loose bodies in Bregman’s elbow. Bregman, 24, hit .286 last season with 31 home runs, 103 RBIs and 105 runs — all career highs.

Mets

NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob de Grom agreed to a $17 million, one-year contract with New York, a record raise for an arbitration-eligible player from his $7.4 million salary. The deal was agreed to Friday before the pitcher and team exchanged proposed salaries in arbitration. DeGrom led the majors with a 1.70 ERA in 217 innings and was selected to his second All-Star Game.

Cubs

Suspended shortstop Addison Russell agreed to a $3.4 million, one-year contract, a relatively small $200,000 raise for a player whose relationship was strained after a domestic violence suspension. Russell accepted a 40-game suspension in October for violating baseball’s domestic violence policy. He missed the final 11 regular-season games plus the wild-card playoff loss and will be eligible to return May 3.