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Newsday | Tim Healey: The Yankees’ machine is now an AL MVP candidate. DJ LeMahieu, fresh off his second MLB batting title, is one of three finalists for the award, alongside Chicago’s José Abreu and Cleveland’s José Ramírez. LeMahieu led the AL in average and on-base percentage, and slugged .590. He also played three positions capably in the field. Abreu and Ramírez hit for more power, but LeMahieu may have been the most valuable player to his team, as proven by the team’s 2-7 stretch with him on the IL. LeMahieu made a huge impact in the 50 games he played, and has an excellent chance of winning the award.
New York Post | Dan Martin: When Giancarlo Stanton officially opted in to the next seven years and $218 million of his contract over the weekend, it officially put some things into motion regarding the Yankees’ long-term payroll. First off, the Marlins will be footing $30 million of that bill – that part of the trade was contingent on Stanton opting in. Stanton will make $29 million the next two years, and then $32 million from 2023-2025. This is a raise from the $25 million and $26 million Stanton made from 2018-2020 in New York. Now, Stanton and Gerrit Cole alone will cost the Yankees more than $65 million from here on out, which sure puts a crimp in the budget-slicing plans. It’s a no-brainer for the player and team, but Stanton’s contract is now officially locked in.
NJ.com | Mike Rosenstein: Today’s news is all about the money. A new report is suggesting that the Baltimore Orioles could be up for sale soon, which is certainly notable. The Orioles have a rich history, a devoted fanbase and a beautiful ballpark, but lack the financial firepower to compete with the Yankees in the AL East. It is rumored that MLB wants Cal Ripken Jr. in on the ownership team, which is intriguing. This comes as the Red Sox are prepared to go public, and the Mets having recently been sold to multi-billionaire Steve Cohen. It’s an ever-changing financial atmosphere in baseball, as the Yankees’ local rivals try and close the economic gap.