New York Yankees: Five infield options if they don’t sign Manny Machado

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees and the American League celebrates with Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees and the American League celebrates with Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the National League during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 12: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a solo home run against Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning in Game One of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 12, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

If the New York Yankees fail to sign Manny Machado, who could they add to their infield?

The big meeting is finally happening this week. The New York Yankees will meet face to face with Manny Machado as a part of his free agent tour this week. Fans in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia are hopig to have an All-Star infielder under their Christmas tree.

No one questions Machado’s ability or the fact that he is one of the best players in the game. The questions are the hustle, the dirty plays and of course, how much will he cost and for how many years.

For the New York Yankees, with Didi Gregorius undergoing Tommy John Surgery this off-season, a hole at shortstop was created. A hole could be created at third as well, if the club decides to trade the American League Rookie of the Year runner-up in Miguel Andujar, due to his inability to field the baseball.

After re-signing J.A. Happ and trading for James Paxton to bolster the rotation, the big free agent infield prize is Machado. What if they aren’t able to sign him? What if he wants too many years and money they aren’t willing to pay him?

As a GM, you have to a plan B, C and D for everything and New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman certainly does. His ability to pivot, makes him one of the best in the game. Let’s take a look at who could represent that for the club, should they fail to land Machado (and no, I don’t mean Bryce Harper)