Yankees Rumors: Manny Machado offer doesn’t include Justus Sheffield

The Yankees destroyed the Orioles 9-0 on Wednesday, for their 60th win. It took them until Aug. 9 last season to reach that total. Prior to the victory, the Yanks reportedly made a ‘strong offer’ for four-time All-Star Manny Machado.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees have submitted the workings of a trade proposal to the Orioles for one, Manny Machado. Heyman stipulates that although it is unclear if the Yanks are indeed the frontrunner to acquire the two-time Gold Glove winner, they are indeed “a player at this point.”

The question on all Yankees fans minds is what exactly constitutes a “strong offer?’ Many outlets reported that the O’s were at first adamant that the Yanks include their No. 2 overall prospect, Justus Sheffield to consummate a deal.

However, per Mike Mazzeo of the Daily News, general manager Brian Cashman was balking at the notion of dealing the 22-year-old left-hander because Machado can enter free agency at season’s end.

In Sheffield’s last three outings at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he’s allowed just two runs, compiling a 3-3 record, 2.53 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 56:24 K:BB ratio in 57 innings pitched as a RailRider.

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Although Sheffield has yet to be added to the 40-man roster, it’s entirely possible he could be the next man up should something go awry with the Yankee rotation.

With scouting reports indicating Sheffield has the ceiling of a No. 2 or 3 big league starter, Cashman’s reluctance to part with Sheff is understandable. Indeed, Roch Kubatko of MASN soon reported that the Yankees’ offer to the O’s did not include Sheffield.

Taking a look at Jim Bowden of CBS Sports, the former GM of the Reds and Expos/Nationals, still believes the best offers for Machado are coming from NL teams; including the Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers and Diamondbacks.

In Bowden’s recent assessment, it appears the Orioles are asking for top prospects that are of the shortstop, outfield and pitching variety.  What kind of deal does that mean the Yankees could have offered?

With Sheffield off the table, Bowden thinks a trade involving Clint Frazier and right-handed pitchers Erik Swanson (6-1, 2.38 ERA, 10.9 K/9 in minors) and No. 4 prospect Chance Adams could be the framework to the Bombers acquiring Machado.

To me, a package of prospects headlined by Frazier, who could very well be blocked yet again in 2019 by Brett Gardner, is a steal for a player of Manny Machado’s ability — especially, if and when he is re-signed to a long-term extension.

Perhaps the Yanks would even sweeten the pot by including infielder Tyler Wade (also blocked), who hit his first career home run on Wednesday night vs. the O’s.

Next: Bombers scout familiar face Nathan Eovaldi

At this point, I wouldn’t put anything past Brian Cashman. He’s a silent assassin — a ninja of the highest order. And if he feels acquiring Machado now as opposed to waiting until free agency this winter gives the Yankees the best shot at winning a World Series title, then Cashman will likely make it happen.