Manny Machado Rumors: Yankees Remain Long Shot To Sign Free Agent, Won't Match Best Contract Offer

Manny Machado Orioles Yankees — Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles watches his hit against the New York Yankees on April 30, 2017 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Elsa/Getty Images

With reports that the Chicago White Sox only offered Manny Machado $175 million and rumors that the Philadelphia Phillies have shifted their focus to Bryce Harper, it appeared that the New York Yankees might have a real chance to sign the star infielder. While a union between MLB’s winningest franchise and Machado is still a possibility, it remains far from likely.

According to multiple reports, New York has not engaged Machado’s camp much in 2019. The Yankees have been very active this offseason with five free-agent signings and a major trade. They are clearly acting as if Machado will sign elsewhere.

The Yankees have already signed two infielders this offseason, adding shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and second baseman DJ LeMahieu. It’s hard to believe the organization would make both of those moves if they planned to swoop in with a $200 million-plus offer for another infielder.

Lots of chatter about Machado and what his best offer might be. From a Yankee perspective, their player moves and the absence of dialogue continue to indicate that they aren’t likely to add Machado. You never say never, but I’m hearing they’re not planning to pounce.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) January 18, 2019

Yankees attitude on Manny Machado is that while you never say never, it’s unlikely at this point. They are stacked on infield, and that’s before Didi returns (likely in 2nd half).
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 16, 2019

.@JackCurryYES: Manny Machado does NOT seem to be one of the players the #Yankees will pursue. pic.twitter.com/ffBllsFq5P
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 18, 2019

Machado’s agent has disputed Chicago’s reported offer. The four-time All-Star is reportedly seeking a deal worth at least $325 million. Landing that kind of contract seems to be a long shot, but settling for less than $200 million is also unlikely.

SNY.tv’s Andy Martino has reported that the White Sox and Machado have discussed a potential deal that could be as short as three years or as long as nine years, depending on whether the team or player chooses to exercise certain options. Maybe the framework of a contract like that could intrigue the Yankees, but New York hasn’t even made an offer to the 26-year-old.

Philadelphia is still weighing their options with Harper and Machado both available. It had been reported for much of the offseason that the Phillies prefer the infielder, and they could very well end Machado’s free agency with a deal that pays him $30 million per year over close to a decade.

It’s no secret that Machado’s first choice is the Yankees, and he’d be playing his home games in the Bronx next season if the money was equal. Despite reports of Machado not getting his desired contract from any team, the odds of New York matching his highest offer are looking very slim.

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