Fansided

5 things the Yankees must do if they miss out on Manny Machado

By Rucker Haringey

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after flying out during the thirteenth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after flying out during the thirteenth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 16: Mike Moustakas #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers warms up prior to the start of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 16: Mike Moustakas #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers warms up prior to the start of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

3. Sign Mike Moustakas

Even if you’re optimistic about Miguel Andujar’s ability to improve defensively, the Yankees can’t afford to go into 2019 without a superior defensive option at third base. Signing Moustakas would certainly accomplish that.

Moustakas would also give Boone a left-handed power bat to leverage against overpowering right-handed pitchers. The injury to Didi Gregorius leaves Aaron Hicks and potentially, Brett Gardner, as the only left-handed starters in Boone’s lineup. That’s particularly unfortunate given Yankee Stadium’s inviting right field porch.

Clearly, Moustakas would be much cheaper than Machado. Offering him a two or three-year deal at around $12 million per season should be enough to get a deal done. That’s expensive for a part-time player, but Moustakas would be one of the best reserves in baseball.

Don’t forget that Moustakas also has significant experience playing first base. Cashman is really optimistic that Greg Bird can bounce back from his nightmare 2018 season, but if he doesn’t, Moustakas could take his at bats at first too. He probably represents the best option the Yankees have to provide depth at both potentially weak positions.

Home/New York Yankees