The New York Yankees, along with everybody else, will finally receive a Manny Machado decision within the next week.
The Manny Machado sweepstakes are nearing its official conclusion. … we think.
According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago, the free agent stud infielder will be deciding on a team within a week. The New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox have reportedly all extended offers to the 26-year-old.
Rumors have also begun circulating about a potential fourth “mystery team” interested in Machado.
The Yankees will have a void to fill at shortstop in 2019 with Didi Gregorius recently undergoing Tommy John surgery. While the Yankees did sign Troy Tulowitzki for the league minimum, this does not rule them out on Machado.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has remained coy on the subject Machado and has even said New York’s intent is to have a starting infield consisting of Luke Voit at first, Gleyber Torres at second, Tulowitzki at short, and Miguel Andujar at third.
Cashman said Friday that the Yankees' intent is to field a starting infield of:
1B: Luke Voit
2B: Gleyber Torres
SS: Troy Tulowitzki
3B: Miguel AndujarMORE: https://t.co/BikOooDOUz pic.twitter.com/mkSsTDZduZ
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 5, 2019
Levine also reported that “momentum is building” for the White Sox to land Machado despite a front-runner not being clear.
In 2018, Machado was named an All-Star for the fourth time and had statistically the best year of his career. In time split between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers, he hit .297 with 37 home runs, 107 RBIs, had an on-base percentage of .367 and a .538 slugging percentage, which were all career highs.
Whether it’s the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, or that annoying mystery team, Manny Machado will reportedly be deciding on this future within seven days.