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MLB Trade Rumors: Evaluating 3 buzzy moves for Yankees

By Rucker Haringey

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 30: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman look on during batting practice before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 30, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Boone;Brian Cashman
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 30: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman look on during batting practice before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 30, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Boone;Brian Cashman /
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BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 12: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles in action before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – JULY 12: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles in action before the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

1. Has the Machado ship sailed?

As recently as 24 hours ago, the Yankees were widely reported to be at or near the top of the race to land Machado. Recent reports claim the Phillies have burst into the lead, and a deal may actually be imminent. Is it really possible the Yankees have fallen out of the race this quickly?

In a word, yes. Baltimore would prefer to send their All-Star anywhere else in baseball before they allow him to become a Yankee. It might happen this summer without their involvement, but that’s easier to sell to their fans than shipping him directly to their division rivals.

Given that motivation, it’s easy to see how the Yankees could have lost so much ground, so quickly. The Orioles front office was clearly shopping Cashman’s offer around the league. It seems obvious the Phillies have stepped up and trumped what the Yanks were willing to offer.

It’s also possible the Yankees’ offer was never that good. If you believe the various reports that claimed Miguel Andujar and Justus Sheffield were both taken off the table by Cashman, it’s pretty easy to see the Orioles looking elsewhere.

The idea of acquiring Machado was fun for Yankee fans, but it was never a great fit with the current roster. At the very least, the need for pitching clearly trumps the need to acquire another big bat.

Next: How much would Michael Fulmer help the Yankees?

The Yankees shouldn’t be ruled out until Machado is shipped somewhere else, but Cashman is more likely to lie in wait than jump out in front of the race to swing a deal for him. This one isn’t over until it’s over.

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