The New York Yankees were at one point believed to be the favorite to sign Manny Machado, but it sounds like the slugger may have to take a significant discount now if he wants to play in the Bronx.
Jon Heyman of Fancred reports that Machado is still expected to sign with the team that offers him the most money, which is hardly a surprise. However, Heyman notes that the Yankees still have interest in adding the 26-year-old on a “very short-term” deal.
Word is Machado will go for the “best deal” (ie most money), but if he’s willing to do something short term — very short term — he should try calling back the Yankees. It’s a long shot, but under those circumstances, word is they might consider Manny.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2019
Machado was at one point reportedly seeking a contract larger than the $325 million Giancarlo Stanton got from the Miami Marlins, so it seems highly unlikely that he will agree to a short-term contract. That said, the Yankees are said to be his preferred destination, so perhaps they could blow other teams away with a higher annual salary and less years.
We’ve already heard similar rumblings about Bryce Harper potentially signing a non-traditional contract, but it doesn’t sound like that is going to happen. While Machado may end up getting less money than he had hoped for, it makes little sense for him to sign a short-term deal when he’s 26 and his stock is this high.
