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Yankees Rumors: Exploring the available middle infield market

By Jon Butensky

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 15: American League All-Star Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees speaks with National League All-Star Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies during the 85th MLB All-Star Game at Target Field on July 15, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 15: American League All-Star Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees speaks with National League All-Star Troy Tulowitzki #2 of the Colorado Rockies during the 85th MLB All-Star Game at Target Field on July 15, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws out Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers (not in photo) during the sixth inning of Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Might as well get the obvious choice out of the way.

Arguably the biggest free agent on the market, Manny Machado would look pretty good in pinstripes. You can also say that this is the most desired option among Yankees fan as well.

But does it actually make sense for New York? Why, yes. Yes, it does. The Yankees are getting a 26-year old phenom that’s just entering the prime of his career.

It would be ideal for Machado to play shortstop when the season begins, while Gleyber Torres continues to become accustomed to second base and Miguel Andujar handles third base.

However, Machado has a multitude of experience playing both shortstop and the hot corner. This is crucial because when Didi returns to the lineup, Aaron Boone could simply slide Machado over to third. You’re probably asking yourself, “But what about Miguel Andujar?” We’ll get to that later.

The past four seasons (2015-2018) have arguably been Machado’s best years of his career thus far. These are his season averages :

2015-18 Averages: 159 G, .284/.345/.511,180 H, 34 2B, 36 HR, 96 RBI, 93 R

For a player that was selected 3rd overall in the 2010 MLB Draft and made his Major League debut in 2012 as a 19-year old, Machado has certainly lived up to expectations. Not mention, Machado has made four All-Star Games (2013, 2015-16, 2018) and has collected two Gold Glove Awards (2013, 2015).

What is concerning though is that the 26-year old does have an injury history, including his knees. That shouldn’t deter the Yankees from signing the righty to a long-term contract, considering Machado hit .297/.367/.538 with 37 HR and 107 RBI in 162 games with both the Orioles and Dodgers in 2018.

Not only was this one of his best season to date statistically, but he’s clearly healthy and playing at an elite level.

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