Yankees Rumors: Bombers to meet Manny Machado on Wednesday

The sweepstakes have begun on 26-year-old four-time All-Star, Manny Machado as the Yankees and Machado are set to meet on Wednesday.

While the Winter Meetings were remarkably quiet, things should now begin developing as the Yankees and 26-year-old four-time All-Star, Manny Machado is set to meet on Wednesday in New York, according to George A. King III‏ of NYPost.com.

One of the subjects that we know the Yanks will bring up to Machado is his comments about him not being ‘Johnny Hustle’ — and his dirty plays during the ALCS. It’ll be interesting to see what general manager, Brian Cashman and managing general partner, Hal Steinbrenner surmise from Machado’s answers.

Fans seem to be split on whether or not they want the two-time Gold Glove winner in pinstripes.

Despite his exceptional career stats that consist of a .282 BA, .335 OBP, 175 HRs and 513 RBIs, it’s well-known Machado has attitude issues and his inclusion in the clubhouse could have an adverse effect on many of the younger guys.

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Now, unless Machado can do an about-face and quickly repair his image — as he’s still a few seasons away from entering his prime years, receiving a 10-year contract offer will be a tall order.

Personally, I dislike decade-long agreements. Five-to-seven years with opt-outs are one thing, but any longer than that, I feel it is unnecessary for an organization as the likelihood of injury and ineffectiveness naturally increase as the player ages.

Also according to George A. King III of NYPost.com, the Yanks aren’t interested in a 10-year, $300 million contract. If Machado does indeed want that deal, the Yankees can pivot and pursue 29-year-old Freddy Galvis, who became a free agent this offseason after playing for the Padres.

Galvis is no stranger to shortstop as he played that position along with second base and third base which only adds to his versatility. No, Galvis is not even close to the same type of player that Machado is, but he’ll come at a much cheaper rate than what Machado is seeking.

Galvis made $6.8 million in 2018 and is coming off a .248/.299/.380 slash line with 13 HRs and 67 RBIs. His nine errors committed at shortstop aren’t bad, considering Machado made 12.

Although Galvis has played his entire seven-year career in the National League, being a slap-hitter shouldn’t decrease his productivity when it comes to changing league and facing new pitchers.

For the Yankees, everyday shortstop, Didi Gregorius underwent Tommy John surgery, so he’s likely out until the summer, and that’s a lot of time to miss. Let’s not forget that he will have to rehab, and no one can be certain that he returns to his former form — which included a total of 57 HRs and 173 RBIs over the past two seasons.

Manny Machado is an elite defender, winning two Gold Gloves in 2013 and 2015. So his inclusion to a questionable defensive infield would be extremely favorable — and that’s even before manager Aaron Boone adds his name to the batting lineup.