Yankees Rumors: Exploring the available middle infield market
By Jon Butensky
I’ll keep this one short, mostly because it’s probably unrealistic.
This scenario requires signing Manny Machado to a long-term deal, but instead of keeping Andujar at the hot corner, the Yankees could trade the youngster for a starting pitcher. Additionally, Torres remains as the second baseman.
Some of the starting pitchers the Yankees have been connected to this offseason include Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Madison Bumgarner. I truly don’t believe that Cashman is going to give up on Andujar that easily. Although his defense is certainly poor at the moment, he has a tremendous doubles-approach at the plate that will later translate to home runs as he matures.
If Andujar is indeed moved and Cashman decides to stick Machado at third, the Yankees can play Tulo at short for the first half of the season and then add to what is already a much-improved starting staff.
Brian Cashman can certainly go in multiple directions. He could go the expensive route and sign Machado to a long-term deal or go with Tulowitzki short, keep Andujar at third and play things out until Didi’s return at some point late next summer. While Didi’s injury is certainly devastating, the Yankees are in a good position to fill that void.
Knowing Cashman, he has something up his sleeve and will reveal this plan when we least expect it.