New York Yankees Remain In Lead For Manny Machado While Teams Offer Deals

Oct 17, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado (8) reacts in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game five of the 2018 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees might be sitting idly by while the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies make offers to superstar free agent Manny Machado, but they know they hold the advantage.

Reports have indicated that the White Sox made Machado an offer, likely one that’s closer to $200 million than the 10-year $300 million he desires. It doesn’t seem as if the market will raise the money to that level, as teams are starting to become more aware of their financial situations and what locking in a player multiple years can do to a franchise – see Jacoby Ellsbury.

With that being said, it’s probable the Yankees will make a similar offer, or at least match that of the others teams. Waiting to see what the White Sox and Phillies do is just good negotiating. You don’t want to overpay if the other teams aren’t willing to break a certain price point for the two-time Gold Glove winner.

Nonetheless, it’s expected that Machado will sign with the Yankees if they can get in the ball-park of what he seeks. Friends of the superstar have hinted at his preference, and being that the Yanks are his boy-hood club, they hold a bit more rope than the rest.

Why did the New York Yankees sign Troy Tulowitzki:

Taking precautionary steps is essential when it comes to any deal. Signing Tulowitzki on a veteran minimum deal while the Toronto Blue Jays pick up the $20 million he’s owed next season was a no-brainer for the Bombers. He offers a stop-gap while Didi Gregorius heals from Tommy John surgery and insurance in case Machado slips through the cracks. A no-risk deal that only bolsters the veteran leadership and defensive capabilities of an infield that ranked towards the bottom of the league in costed runs.