Hal Steinbrenner is well aware of Manny Machado’s comments about hustling, so the Yankees owner may be using the media to lower the free agent’s asking price.
The race for Manny Machado is starting to heat up in earnest. At the moment, it’s unclear whether or not the New York Yankees are prepared to be serious players for the infielder’s services. Recent comments from owner Hal Steinbrenner indicate the franchise may be concerned about his willingness to hustle in pinstripes.
Then again, this could all be subterfuge by the Yankees. It’s dangerous to take Steinbrenner’s assertion that the Yankees find Machado’s comment about hustling “troubling” at face value. It’s certainly reasonable to believe the organization needs to engage in due diligence over the issue. It may not be reasonable to believe that process isn’t already well underway.
If the Yankees are interested in signing Machado to a long-term deal this winter, they’d like to avoid a bidding war for his services. One of the best ways to avoid that scenario is to scare other teams away from the process. Openly questioning Machado’s effort level is a great way to do that. Another team interested in Machado might reconsider if they believe the Yankees are going to pass on the infielder due to concerns over his effort level.
Remember, there are plenty of reports swirling around that claim Machado is looking for a 10-year, $300 million deal. No team is going to hand over that kind of cash without learning everything they can about a player. The Yankees are one of the richest teams in baseball, but they aren’t going to make that kind of gamble without amassing a ton of information.
The more pressing question for the Yankees when it comes to Machado is whether or not there’s really room for him in Aaron Boone’s lineup. The injury to Didi Gregorius opens up an opportunity for Machado to play shortstop, but playing time there should disappear when Gregorius recovers from his Tommy John procedure.
That makes it exceedingly likely that his home in the Bronx would be at third base. That spot on the diamond currently belongs to Miguel Andujar, but his defensive struggles are a huge concern for Cashman and the rest of the front office. It’s also possible he’ll be used as a trade chip to acquire a legitimate No. 1 starter this offseason.
At the very least, it’s safe to assume the Yankees are considering jumping into the race to sign Machado. Issues about his willingness to hustle might depress his value, but he’s still going to get a massive contract for someone. It’s entirely possible the Yankees are just stoking the narrative as a way to engage in a little cost control.