As Spring Training approaches, Manny Machado still doesn’t have a team to play for. Yet, if he is granted his wish, he will don pinstripes for the New York Yankees this season.
Less than two weeks from now, pitchers and catchers will report to their respective teams. And Manny Machado might still not have a team, though the infielder continues to hope the New York Yankees will provide him the offer of a lifetime.
But New York’s front office seems to be separating itself from Machado more and more with every passing minute. Machado will likely snivel if he’s forced to sign a short-term deal or a long-term deal with a non-competitive squad.
Meanwhile, most Yankees fans would praise general manager Brian Cashman for not risking another massive contract on a player that is disliked by many nowadays. It is understandable considering Machado’s attitude in 2018 was negligent than anything.
Many people point to the shortstop’s numbers when pondering whether New York should take a chance on him. Surely, everyone is aware of Machado’s talent, not only at the plate, but with the glove as well.
Just to be clear, while Machado may still be holding onto long-shot hopes for the Yankees, there’s no evidence that still could happen.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 4, 2019
The former Orioles star ranked 11th in OPS in the MLB last season and will attempt to crush more than 30 home runs for the fifth-consecutive season. He also ranked sixth in defensive WAR amongst third basemen across the league.
At just 26, Machado is already a four-time All-Star that’s coming off a season in which he posted his best slugging percentage ever. Though his offensive numbers do not match Bryce Harper’s career-best stats, it’s still impressive and arguably worthy of a lucrative multi-year deal.
But it doesn’t necessarily make sense for the Yankees to swoop in at the last second and cater to Machado’s desires. Cashman accomplished a lot this offseason and should be finished, though there are reports that he continues to scour the pitching market.
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And as many analysts and fans realize, there is already a packed infield in the Bronx. Machado’s addition would force an exchange at some point, likely involving Miguel Andujar.
New York is somewhat divided between whether Andujar is a future contributor or an overrated tease. The 23-year-old ranked 15th in the league in slugging percentage and topped the Yankees roster in hits.
Yet, the youngster’s defense is still a work in progress, which is not surprising considering his age and MLB experience. However, it seems that New York receives a better bargain overall by retaining Andujar if he continues to produce at the plate.
An ultimate issue with Machado revolves around his attitude.
Cashman has spent multiple years composing a medley of promising youth and didactic veterans that could lead the Yankees to a World Series title in 2019. But Machado’s presence might exhibit a clubhouse filled with toxicity.
Maybe it’s just the media exaggerating Machado’s antics. Nevertheless, fans witnessed what he did against the Brewers last season.
Machado has game-changing talent that will clearly earn him the big bucks, whether it’s with a current contender or a rapid rebuilding club. It just doesn’t seem feasible for New York to pen the infielder to a short-term – or affordable – deal.
Thus, the front office will likely be surprised once the media discloses where the All-Star lands. And Yankees fans probably won’t be dejected after that moment.