Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League as they aim for a 28th World Series title.

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out…

Machado visits Phillies

The Manny Machado tour continued in Philadelphia on Thursday, with the 26-year-old prized infielder spending over four hours at Citizens Bank Park.

MY TAKE >> Now, we wait to see who made offers and whether they meet Machado's expectations. There is speculation Machado might take less in terms of years and salary from the Yankees because he wants to play in New York, but if the White Sox or Phillies guarantee a substantial amount more, it would be hard for him to leave it on the table. Machado wants to win, and the Yankees would provide that chance quicker than the opposition, but with Chicago's young core coming and an upstart Philadelphia team, Machado could be the face of their team's resurrections. Moreover, both the White Sox and Phillies have enough payroll flexibility to continue building a strong roster going forward, so this isn't a slam dunk for the Yanks.

The reliever pool is shrinking

Reports surfaced Thursday night that Andrew Miller and Joakim Soria, two bullpen arms of interest to the Yankees, were close to signing deals elsewhere.

MY TAKE >> The Yankees need to bolster their bullpen after David Robertson and Zach Britton hit free agency. Miller and Soria were among the names mentioned as possible replacements. I've suggested the Yankees need another elite left-hander, which made Miller a solid choice despite his knee issues, however his impending deal leaves Britton as the lone elite southpaw reliever.

Soria would have been a nice option for sixth- or seventh-inning work. Now, the Yanks seem to have three choices where it concerns the late-inning relievers in Robertson, Britton and Adam Ottavino. It will be interesting to see if the Yankees are willing to sign two of the three or if they'll have to settle for just one and find a more economical middle reliever. A good deal of that choice will likely depend on how things unfold with Machado.

Murphy signs with Rockies

Infielder Daniel Murphy agreed to a two-year deal with the Rockies on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan.

MY TAKE >> Murphy was probably well off the periphery of the Yankees' vision as a potential infield addition in case they were unable to sign Machado. Murphy is an elite hitter and his left-handed swing would have prospered in Yankee Stadium, but he's a terrible defender, which would extremely limit the Yankees. If the Yankees had an inkling of using Murphy as a first baseman and designated hitter, it was probably quickly diminished by their desire to test Greg Bird and Luke Voit at first and the glut of hitters on the roster that will use up DH reps. The Yankees will continue to be linked to players like Freddy Galvis, Josh Harrison and Scooter Gennett until the Machado sweepstakes ends.

Machado visits Phillies

The reliever pool is shrinking

Murphy signs with Rockies

MCCARRON: To top Red Sox, Yanks must go all-in on Machado >> Read more

CARELLI: Yankees' offseason not a failure if Manny Machado signs elsewhere >> Read more

Popular in the Community