Don’t count the New York Yankees out of the Manny Machado sweepstakes.
The trade talks surrounding Machado have been the hottest topic in MLB trade rumors the past few weeks, and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal now says the Yankees are “showing increased interest” in Machado. This is notable for a few reasons.
One, it was previously reported that the Orioles’ owner would refuse to trade Machado to their AL East rivals. Two, Rosenthal just reported that the Brewers and Dodgers had emerged in the Machado sweepstakes, so this would be a new team added to the mix. Three, the Yankees are already set at shortstop with Didi Gregorius, while Miguel Andujar has played well at third.
Rosenthal says the Yankees are in the mix for Machado now because they could offer a deep package of prospects, and because owner Peter Angelos might not be as involved as before, which could allow the team to send Machado to the Bronx. He also believes that Machado would be willing to move back to third base for the Yankees, who would then either deal Andujar or send him to the minors.
Another interesting note about Machado is that the Orioles are reportedly willing to include Zach Britton in trades in order to sweeten what they receive in return.
Machado, who is set to become a free agent after the season, is batting .312 with 21 home runs this season.
