While there were talks of Manny Machado to the New York Yankees, they look all but dead as the Dodgers are rumored to land the slugger.
Manny Machado was never staying with the Baltimore Orioles. At one point, it looked like the New York Yankees could be major players in the Machado sweepstakes. But that’s all but over after recent reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers will land the superstar.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Machado will be dealt Los Angeles is a done deal, “barring a last minute snag.”
Jon Heyman of Fancred is reporting that the Dodgers will include top outfield prospect, Yusniel Diaz. It’s unclear who else is included in the deal for the All-Star.
Additionally, the deal will not be announced officially until after the All-Star Game, likely to keep the focus on the Midsummer Classic.
This comes as a minor blow to the Yankees’ hopes to win the division. It doesn’t appear that there is a market for a big-time starting pitcher. Therefore, Machado could have been a creative way for the Yankees to acquire an impact player, albeit at a position of strength—right-handed hitting.
Look for the Yanks to remain active ahead of the trade deadline. Missing out on Machado may not be all bad. The lineup is loaded with right-handed pop and trading pieces for Machado likely would lead to a gigantic contract for the infielder and a huge investment on the part of the Yankees.
Now the Bronx Bombers should focus on finding inventive ways to address the major needs of the team—like the starting rotation. Of course, Machado is a game-changing player who any team is lucky to have, but he’s not addressing a crucial need.
It looks like the Yankees are missing out on the All-Star, but the sky is not falling in the Bronx.
