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TAMPA — It was something Luis Rojas said. Because the Yankee third base coach offered it without prompting, off the cuff, utter sincerity.

“Everyone loves that guy.”

Rojas was discussing DJ LeMahieu, and it hit me that is part of the equation at third base. The fans see a position unsolved this offseason. They see a 36-year-old who they feel hasn’t been impactful since Chevy Chase was a Not Ready For Prime Time Player.

But the Yankees love that guy. Many remain from 2019-20, when LeMahieu was among the majors’ best players, and from as recently as the second half of the 2023 season and spring training last year, when he looked great. They see a baseball gym rat behind the scenes. They know how dedicated LeMahieu is to his craft. How loyal he is to teammates and the concept of winning — always sharing tidbits on the field, in the clubhouse. Head down. Humble.