Manny Machado met with several teams this week as he gets closer to signing what could be a record-breaking contract, but the slugger apparently has his sights set on one destination in particular.
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Machado has been telling those close to him that he prefers to sign with the New York Yankees. He may even be willing to take slightly less from the Yankees, as Bowden reports that Machado has told friends he will sign with New York “if the money is close.”
Machado’s affinity for the Yankees has been well documented, but he has also said he would prefer to continue playing shortstop. New York already has its shortstop of the future in place in Didi Gregorius, though he will miss the start of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The Yankees don’t really have an opening at third base, either, as 23-year-old Miguel Andujar is coming off a breakout season in which he hit .297 with 27 home runs and 92 RBI. If they end up signing Machado, there’s a good chance the Yankees will trade Andujar. In fact, that is something rival teams believe they are eager to do.
Machado may have had to address some character concerns in his meeting with New York earlier this week, but the 26-year-old seems like the type of signing GM Brian Cashman would make. While the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox will give Machado plenty to think about, the Yankees are clearly the favorite to land him.
