DJ LEMAHIEU HAS COMPETITION FOR THE BATTING TITLE!

What a season for DJ LeMahieu! The best move that Brian Cashman made before the start of the season was signing LeMahieu to a two-year, $24 million contract. He's been worth every penny of that contract and he has been the Yankees MVP this season. The guy is going to get some votes for the American League MVP award this season for sure, but what about a batting title to go with it?

I don't put a lot of importance on individual awards, but it would be nice to see him win the American League batting crown and it would help him get more MVP votes. He is second in the league with a .328 BA but there is another guy that has recently become eligible for the batting title and he just happens to be ahead of LeMahieu. On Tuesday, Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson made his 502nd plate appearance of the season which now makes him a contender for the title also. He has a .334 batting average, so let's hope LeMahieu gets on a hot streak these last few games.

Anderson is an interesting contender and we haven't heard much about him until now. He has missed some time this season due to an ankle sprain. He has played in 119 games, meanwhile LeMahieu has played in 140 games. Anderson is just one season removed from a career-worst .240 BA and knows the batting title is in sight. Even though it would be nice to see LeMahieu win, I admire his determination.

"It would mean a lot," he said to the Chicago Sun Times. "You better believe I’m going out and trying to get it. I’ve made it this far, so why not? I’ve come a long way. If I win or if I don’t, it’s still not going to take away from the season that I’ve had. I'm trying to keep carrying it on to next year and continue to do what I’ve been doing."

LeMahieu won the National League batting title with the Rockies back in 2016. It would be cool to see him win a batting title now in the American League and make history as the first player to win batting titles in both leagues but even if he doesn't he's been invaluable to us. It's going to be hard for LeMahieu to get a batting title at this point. Anderson is on fire hitting .372 during the month of September and LeMahieu has slumped lately.

I hope he gets a batting title, but even if he doesn't he's been so important to the Yankees this year. It would be nice to see him win a batting title, but it will also be nice to be playing baseball in November and ultimately winning a World Series ring. A championship is an achievement that lives on forever.

We are pulling for you, DJ!

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @nyprincessj