For the last few seasons, New York Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner mandated that GM Brian Cashman get the organization under luxury tax threshold to reset their penalties, which had reached the maximum 50% mark. 2018 was the first time in the fifteen years of the modern luxury tax that the Yankees were able to stay under the threshold for the entire season. Along with now free agent catcher Brian McCann’s contract coming off the books, gives the Yankees significant payroll flexibility for this offseason.
If there ever was a time for this team to reset it’s tax penalties, it was now, with a free agent class led by stars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, both linked to the bombers for years now. One of these two megastars will most likely end up in pinstripes as part of a megadeal, especially with the Yankees reported performing “extensive” background checks on Machado.
While Steinbrenner would stay under the luxury tax for more than one year, Cashman stated on WFAN that he is no longer mandated to remain under the threshold, which will increase to $206 million starting in 2019. This means that we could see an offseason shopping spree similar to that of exactly a decade ago, and we all know how that one turned out. The only question is, who exactly is on Cashman’s shopping list?
Manny Machado: SS/3B:
2018 Stats (BAL/LAD):
.294 BA, 37 HR, 107 RBI, .367 OBP, .538 SLG, .905 OPS, 6.2 WAR
Despite his recent comments and antics during the 2018 playoffs, Machado is heavily tied to the Yankees for many reasons. One such factor is his age, being only 26 despite being in the league since 2012, so he’s just now entering his prime years. Facing free agency for the first time in his career, he will get paid handsomely for his services.
The four-time all-star brings excellent numbers with runners in scoring position, hitting .331/.427/.540 in those situations this past year. In comparison, the Yankees as a team hit .253/.342/.442, more or less relying on the home run to generate offense.
His glove would undoubtedly be a welcome addition as well, especially if needed to play at third, where he’s won two Gold Gloves, as well as a Platinum Glove in 2013. While the Yankees were not the worst defensive team in 2018, they committed 93 total errors, which ranked 20th.
If the Yankees are to sign Machado, they can have him play shortstop until Didi Gregorius returns from Tommy John surgery. When that happens, Machado can slide over to third base. If this deal takes place, it will create questions about the Yankees current third baseman, Miguel Andujar.
Contract prediction: 8 years, $280 million