New York Yankees are targeting Manny Machado once again

After a week without Manny Machado in the headlines, possible trades for the third baseman are now in the works. The New York Yankees are again involved.

No team offered a suitable package to the Baltimore Orioles for star player Manny Machado during the first round of trade talks. While the New York Yankees swung and missed during their first attempt with the AL East rivals, they ultimately weren’t deterred from trying again.

New York is back in the mix for the third baseman, according to some sources. But as of now, nothing is close to a done deal.

Some analysts believe that among the several teams calling the Orioles this offseason, the Yankees have the best shot at acquiring him. A combination of young, MLB-ready prospects and a winning environment would pay off for both Machado and Baltimore.

However, it would take general manager Brian Cashman a mixture of unbelievable haggling skills and luck to pull the 25-year-old away from the Orioles.

There are many more factors involved than just swapping highly-touted prospects for the franchise player. But by dialing in on Machado, the Yankees must believe a few things will go their way.

First, they must think they need a future third baseman. Miguel Andujar currently holds the spot, but that could change by the end of Spring Training. Whatever Andujar has shown the front office, it must not be promising enough.

Gleyber Torres played third last year before his season-ending injury. But with Tyler Wade and Ronald Torreyes platooning at the position, for now, the team may accelerate Torres’ track to the majors as a second baseman.

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If Torres is the team’s next franchise second baseman, they need someone at third. Anyone would agree that Machado is one of the best corner infielders in the league. Thus, considering that New York believes it has any chance at all to reel him in, it is worth a shot.

Machado’s interest in the Bronx matters as well, being that he only has one year left on his contact. New York will only strike a deal if it has a chance of extending his contract into a multi-year agreement.

Of course, money determines whether a deal occurs or not. As of now, the Yankees need to open up some cap space for an enormous deal. That would mean finding a suitor for Jacoby Ellsbury, which has been difficult thus far. The outfielder possesses a no-trade clause as well, which hasn’t helped a potential trade. 

New York could acquire Machado for one remarkable season and possibly earn its 28th World Series title with him. But if they offer a significant package with players like Andujar, Chance Adams, Clint Frazier or Justus Sheffield, they would want more from him.

The Yankees need to pay big bucks for that to happen. A lingering question remains in determining whether Machado is worth it or if the team’s top-ranked farm will suffice.

Baltimore might be willing to make a move, but based on its recent history, it seems like they will pass. That is, unless a team woos them, offering a foundation for the organization’s future.

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New York, unlike virtually every other team, has the tools to make it happen. But the Yankees would have to sell the farm to acquire him.

Hence, the current situation begs an overarching question. Is a trade for Machado worth the risk?