Source: A's express interest in DJ LeMahieu to bolster second base

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The A's have expressed interest in free agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu, an industry source confirmed to NBC Sports California's Ben Ross.

Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle first reported the news on Monday.

Oakland's second base situation became interesting this offseason when Jed Lowrie elected free agency. The A's would love to have re-signed the second baseman, who earned an All-Star selection in 2018, but he would come at a hefty price. Lowrie's estimated market value, according to Spotrac, is in the $16.6 million range, while LeMahieu's stands around $13.9 million.

LeMahieu is a two-time All-Star who earned three Gold Glove Awards with the Colorado Rockies. He hit just .276 last season, but he had averages of .310, .348 and .301 in the three years previous to that.

The fact that the A's are leaning toward a free agent who could come cheaper and still presents veteran status isn't too surprising. The team still possesses a young middle infielder in Franklin Barreto, who slashed .233/.253.493 with five home runs and 16 RBI last season with the green and gold.

As Slusser noted in her initial report, A's general manager David Forst said last week that the team might platoon Barreto with a future addition. However, LeMahieu is a right-handed hitter like Barreto, so a platoon wouldn't be possible if he joined Oakland.

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