Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |
Hungry for another Manny Machado update? Not really? Well, too bad -- we have one.
As Yankees players trickle into spring training, the front office continues to check in with Machado's camp, according to major league sources. The Yankees are not the frontrunners for Machado -- both the White Sox and Phillies have been more aggressive -- but they are not out on him, either.
Most likely, this an example of Yankees GM Brian Cashman's free agency playbook. He calls, he waits, he lies in the weeds to see if there is ever a moment where it makes sense to pounce.
People close to Machado still believe that he will ultimately choose the highest offer. That will almost certainly not be the Yankees.
Last month, SNY reported that Chicago and Machado were discussing a deal that contained a club option after the third or fourth year, which would trigger an eighth or ninth year of team control. That offer, according to sources, contained an average annual value of more than $31 million.
The Phillies entered the offseason prepared for the Machado sweepstakes to exceed $300 million. They have the money to go that high, and a far deeper desire than the Yankees to sign one of the big free agents this year.
A person close to Machado said that the Yankees' current offer to Machado (or the parameters discussed -- the word "offer" can be semantic) is "low" compared to what the infielder is seeking.
So where does all that leave the Yanks?
Cashman remains on the periphery, just in case Machado changes his mind about chasing the most money, or his negotiations with another team fall through. The Yankees would be comfortable moving Miguel Andujar to first base if they sign Machado to play third.
According to sources, Machado is not under consideration to play shortstop for the Yanks; that job will belong to Troy Tulowitzki, if he remains healthy.