Yankees won’t offer Manny Machado $300M but how about $280M?

Day two of the 2018 Winter Meetings begin on Monday, and already we are hearing that the Yankees will meet with free agent Manny Machado but have no intentions of offering him a $300 million contract.

The start of the new week should commence a busy few days for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, as he looks to meet with fellow executives, free agents and their representation.

However, as reported by Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, although the Yanks are scheduled to visit with four-time All-Star, Manny Machado, a source tells Heyman that New York will not extend a contract offer that reaches $300 million.

It’s highly likely that with the Phillies, White Sox and a “mystery team” interested in securing Machado’s services, the 26-year-old infielder will eventually get his desired payday.

But that’s not to say the Machado and the Yanks won’t come to a lesser agreement, say, eight years, $280 million. That’s still a robust AAV of $35 million — which may satisfy both parties. It’s two fewer years than most expect the former Oriole turned Dodger to accept while giving him more money per year — rather than 10 years, $300 million ($30M AAV).

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So reports of the Yankees steering clear of one enormous number may not be indicative of what transpires between now and whenever it is Machado signs.

There’s even talk that fellow generational player, Bryce Harper, could take a massively deferred contract, ala Bobby Bonilla from the Mets. Perhaps Brian Cashman will look to get creative when it comes to dolling out Titanic-like contracts, after acquiring Giancarlo Stanton from the Marlins last December (absorbed his remaining $265M).

Jon Morosi continues to report that the Yankees are still more inclined to spend on a starting pitcher. However, over the past week, we’ve watched the Bombers show a newfound restraint when it came to avoiding a bidding war for Patrick Corbin and Nathan Eovaldi.

I would be extremely disappointed if the Yanks made an about-face and overpaid for a player like Dallas Keuchel just because the market is dwindling.

Whether or not you agree with the Yanks’ tactics, they’re clearly being choosy and will need to be blown away to pull the trigger on an Earth-shattering signing.

If Hal Steinbrenner and those that call the shots feel they are “getting a deal” on Machado at $280 million or so, then maybe he’ll be in pinstripes come Opening Day. It’ll also be interesting to see if Machado were to take fewer years or a contract with opt-outs just to play in the Bronx.