Yankees: Bombers should stay away from Manny Machado

The Yankees are seen as one of the favorites to land the former Orioles star. But the Bombers would be better off looking elsewhere this offseason.

Can’t you see it now? The return of the Evil Empire? A team that, for a while, had been hated by many fans (excluding the tri-state area) embracing it’s identity as the “bad guys” by signing baseball’s newest villain? It’s easy to dream about a Yankees lineup that set the single-season record for home runs adding Manny Machado to the mix. But would this move be worth the risk?

In a word, no. At least, there are plenty of reasons why the Bronx Bombers should avoid signing the four-time All-Star (who also has two Gold Gloves on his resume.) First and foremost, it’s taken the Yankees several years to escape their Evil Empire moniker. With the rise of the Baby Bombers, this franchise became lovable again. Sure, adding N.L. MVP Giancarlo Stanton somewhat tipped the scales back the other way. But that reaction would pale in comparison to the negativity that Machado would bring with him.

The former face of the Orioles made a name for himself in the worst way possible this postseason. In the NLCS, Machado seemed to intentionally kick Brewers first baseman, Jesus Aguilar. Then, the one-time Platinum Glove winner admitted that he doesn’t like to hustle. Finally, Machado prematurely celebrated a home run that was only a deep single. (Thanks to his bravado, Machado might have cost himself an extra base.)

The star player has been labeled a dirty player for the past couple years and his antics this October showed why. He was loudly booed throughout the World Series and it’s fair to argue that his play on the field isn’t worth the risks off of it.

His play and overall numbers also dipped in his stint with the Dodgers. His average, OBP, SLG, and OPS all dropped during his time in Hollywood. He exceeded expectations defensively at shortstop but he wasn’t quite the impact bat the Dodgers hoped he would be.

But the Yankees are still viewed as the front-runners to sign Machado. The Bombers have been strongly linked to the star player since the trade season this past July, if not longer. This association has heated up despite the emergence of Miguel Andujar, who is a favorite in the A.L. Rookie of the Year race. Even as Machado’s reputation continues to sour, fans and analysts alike link him to the Yankees.

Now, it seems the Yanks might be softening on the idea of adding such a boom or bust player. New reports say the Yankees are “lukewarm” on the idea of signing Machado, and for good reason. The Yanks have plenty of needs this offseason and, to keep pace with the American League’s other juggernauts, Brian Cashman should do everything he can to make this team better.

Bringing in a player with so much negative press, and the potential for more could be detrimental to a franchise that’s finally escaping its old shadow.