3 potential suitors have emerged for LeMahieu
The Dodgers, Nationals and Twins have had at least preliminary talks with DJ LeMahieu, the free-agent second baseman and 2016 National League batting champion.
The Nats also have monitored infielders Jed Lowrie, Josh Harrison and Marwin Gonzalez on the free-agent market, sources say.
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The Nationals have the option of utilizing Howie Kendrick in an everyday role at second base, but he's coming off a season in which he did not play after May 19 because of a torn right Achilles tendon. Kendrick, 35, also is an option to play left field, although 20-year-old Juan Soto became a star at the position following Kendrick's injury.
The Twins also have shown interest in free-agent second baseman Ian Kinsler, one source said Sunday.
The Rockies did not extend a $17.9 million qualifying offer to LeMahieu earlier this month, so his free-agent value is helped by the absence of Draft-pick compensation. Colorado isn't believed to be making a serious effort to re-sign LeMahieu, who has earned three Gold Glove Awards and made two All-Star appearances over the past five years.