#Yankees getting closer to DJ LeMahieu deal

The staredown is nearly over.

The Yankees and DJ LeMahieu are nearing a contract to keep the smooth-swinging infielder in The Bronx, MLB.com reported. The terms of the deal are not yet known, but it could be completed by the end of the day.

LeMahieu, 32, has been a force since the Yankees signed him two years ago — finishing fourth and third in the MVP race while slashing .336/.386/.536.

While negotiating a deal with LeMahieu, the rest of the Yankees offseason has been in a standstill as they try to stay under the $210 million luxury tax threshold. 

Their next priority will likely be rotation depth with a lack of experienced starting pitching beyond ace Gerrit Cole.

The Mets, Blue Jays and Dodgers were all seen as potential threats to sign LeMahieu away from the Yankees before Friday’s progress.