For the first time since signing with the San Diego Padres in February, Manny Machado returned to face the Yankees, and things didn’t go according to plan.
The $300 million dollar shortstop was booed mercifully and went 1-4 with a double in the Yankees 5-2 win on Monday afternoon. When asked about the boos, Manny Machado went with the most logical answer — telling the New York Post:
"“I get booed everywhere I go,” Machado said. “Great players get booed, so it happens.”"
Four months after signing the fifth-largest contract in sports history, one question remains: Did the Yankees made the right decision on passing on the 26-year-old superstar?
With the Yankees plagued by injuries this season, it would have been nice to see Machado leading the Bombers offense.
More from Yankees News
- Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
- Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
- Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
- No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
- Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step
However, Machado isn’t having an exciting year thus far. He is batting .266 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs. Eventually, he will post the statistics we are all accustomed to, but it will take time for him to get accustomed to playing in San Diego.
For a player like Gio Urshela who is filling in superbly for the injured Miguel Andujar — had the Yanks signed Machado, more than likely he would have never been called up to the major leagues.
Don’t get me wrong, Machado is a great player but sometimes his lack of hustle can destroy team morale. Yankee fans would not have endeared themselves to a lethargic player.
For over a year, the Yanks coveted Machado — and Machado wanted them back. With the current team in first place in the AL East, maybe it was the right choice for the Bombers not to sign the four-time All-Star.
You don’t want to ruin the team chemistry which is currently at an all-time high. Even still, the question remains: What if? Unfortunately, we’ll never know the answer.