Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The first blush of reaction, after Yankees PR man Jason Zillo dropped the stunning news on reporters assembled for the team's post-mortem news conference that Didi Gregorius needed Tommy John surgery, was the most obvious: The team needed to pursue Manny Machado in free agency.

But it wasn't Gregorius' injury that made Machado an important item for the Yankees. The 26-year-old superstar was already a target, and rightfully so. The Yankees tried to trade for Machado twice -- last offseason and this July.

Now, needing to surpass the Red Sox and Astros next season, the Yanks should add either Machado, Bryce Harper, or both.

The loss of Gregorius does at least help to clarify the infield situation. And make no mistake: This is a loss. It's delusional to think that as a shortstop who has to make long throws across the diamond he will be able to return for a significant chunk of next season.

The Yankees have to plan on winning without Gregorius, period.

That takes away a potentially tough decision on where Machado fits. Gregorius is an important part of the Yankees' culture, and it's clear that Brian Cashman loves what he brings to the clubhouse and organization. But he's a year away from being a 29-year-old free agent, at a time when teams are devaluing players over 30.

Now, the Yankees will be forced to move on, at least for 2019. If they really want to keep Gregorius beyond next year, they can always extend him, and move Machado to third base in 2020. Miguel Andujar is better suited long-term in left field or at first base.

The only meaningful argument against signing Machado is the Yankees' lineup is already way too righthanded. Well, that's where Harper should come in, either in left or - don't laugh - at first .

With the Yanks having reset their luxury tax situation this year, it's time to supplement that partially disappointing youth core with proven stars. Especially with no clear aces available in trades or free agency, it makes sense to sign Patrick Corbin and bolster the offense as much as possible.

Here's how the defensive alignment could look next year:

C- Gary Sanchez

1B - Bryce Harper/Miguel Andujar

2B - Gleyber Torres

SS - Manny Machado

3B - Neil Walker/Tyler Wade

LF: Miguel Andujar/Bryce Harper

CF: Aaron Hicks

RF: Aaron Judge

DH: Giancarlo Stanton

That's obviously a better offense than the one that just lost to the Red Sox in the division series. It would be tough to cast aside a talent like Greg Bird, despite his terrible season. As for Luke Voit, you can feel comfortable thanking him for his Shane Spencer act and moving to more proven players.

The Yankees will be in the third full year of this new era, and can't afford to experiment. It's time to go all-in for a championship - and they can do it without Gregorius.

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