Manny Machado wants to sign with the New York Yankees, but don’t expect a decision until after the holidays.
Manny Machado is jogging his free agency decision out like it’s a ball hit off the wall in the postseason. Per Fancred’s Jon Heyman, he’ll pick either the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, or Philadelphia Phillies in early 2019:
Manny Machado has conveyed to the three known interested teams — White Sox, Yankees and Phillies — that his decision will come after the new year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2018
The Bombers are favorites to land the coveted free agent. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Machado came out of his free agency tour with a desire to end up in pinstripes, contingent on a competitive offer.
The 26-year-old’s visit to Yankee Stadium included the now obligatory photoshopped uniform and a lengthy dinner. New York apparently loved whatever information they gleaned from Machado during their time together:
The #yankees enamored with Manny Machado and believe he’s perfect fit.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 20, 2018
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner previously expressed reservations about signing Machado. The concern stemmed from Machado’s quip to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal that his brand of baseball does not include playing hard.
One dinner and a few drinks later, I guess that’s all cleared up.
The Yankees want Manny, and Manny wants the Yankees. However, the way the offseason has played out so far, it’s highly possible that Steinbrenner and company get outbid.
The Phillies and owner John Middleton are a definite threat to blow the Yankees’ offer out of the proverbial water. Middleton told Bob Nightengale that he’s planning to “be a little stupid” when it comes to spending cash in free agency.
should “a little stupid” turn out to be more years and millions than the Yankees want to give, expect to see Machado walking—not running—up the Rocky steps in Philly.
Still, if the Yankees are as into Machado as reports indicate, they could up their bid.
If that happens and Machado picks the Yankees, I just hope one of his New Year’s resolutions is to try out this hustle thing everyone is raving about.
