The Boston Red Sox shouldn’t worry about the long-term ramifications of the New York Yankees chasing prized free agent Manny Machado.
There was a time when we would shudder at the thought of our fiercest rival signing a high-profile free agent. We would curse the Evil Empire for attempting to buy another championship and complain about the unmatched advantages of residing in the New York market. Times have changed. On the heels of winning the World Series with MLB’s highest payroll, the Boston Red Sox can feel confident about defending their title regardless of the moves their competition make in an attempt to catch up.
Which is why the rumors that the New York Yankees are among the favorites to sign free agent infielder Manny Machado have been met with a mild shrug.
The Yankees brass dined with Machado Wednesday night, pitching the four-time All-Star on the privilege of wearing the iconic pinstripes that he grew up admiring, the impact this franchise would have on his legacy, and why he would be a perfect fit for their roster.
Yankees contingent dined with Manny Machado, his wife and agent tonight in Manhattan. Yanks are interested and in the game, along with Chisox and Phillies. Tour was believed to be those 3 teams, no mysteries.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 20, 2018
The Yankees join the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies as the only serious suitors to emerge for Machado this winter. Chicago is years away from fielding a competitive club, which would put Machado back in a similar situation to the one he escaped in Baltimore. Their most appealing pitch is that they can unite him with his brother-in-law. The Phillies are an up-and-coming team that might only be a superstar away from being a contender. As enticing as that may be, the Yankees offer him the chance to join a club that is already a contender. Also, with all due respect to the city of brotherly love, Philly is not New York.
So it seems the Yankees have an edge in this race if they are indeed all-in on luring Machado to the Bronx at any expense. Adding a player of his caliber certainly improves a Yankees team that was defeated by Boston in the ALDS but he’s not enough of an upgrade to make us panic.
Despite the Yankees’ claims that Machado is a perfect fit for their roster, it’s not clear that this is the case.