MLB Rumors: Manny Machado Shown In Pinstripes, Yankees Fans Still Split

Manny Machado, the most sought-after baseball free agent, was serenaded by the New York Yankees on Wednesday and shown how he would look if he decided to dawn the iconic pinstripes for the foreseeable future.

The visit to the Yankee Stadium was part of Machado’s three-city free agency tour, which saw him meet the Chicago White Sox on Monday before arriving in New York on Wednesday. He will continue on to his final destination – a meeting with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday before probably making a decision on where he will play next season.

The 26-year-old shortstop/third baseman arrived at the Yankee Stadium on Wednesday and is said to have held a 90-minute meeting with general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone. Machado was said to have wined and dined by the baseball’s most iconic franchise after which he was shown a mocked-up image of how he would look in the legendary pinstripe jersey on the giant screen in the stadium.

Machado is said to be seeking a record-setting $300 million contract over a 10-year period and it remains to be seen, which of the aforementioned three teams or a potential outsider will offer him the terms he desires. According to ESPN, the White Sox meeting went off well – and they have an advantage as they just signed Machado’s brother-in-law Alonso Yonder last week.

However, the Yankees are not leaving anything to chance and are said to have also gone with a “full court press” during their 90-minutes with the shortstop. MLB’s Brian Hoch believes both parties sold themselves to each other and apart from the Cashman and Boone, veteran pitcher CC Sabathia was also present I the building during the time of Machado’s visit.

The Yankees insider also revealed that there is a possibility that terms of a potential contract could have been loosely discussed during the in-demand free agent’s visit on Wednesday. And it is no secret that Machado has been a big fan of the Yankees for a long time.

But the overall visit was to get to know each other and show him around what was on offer if he signed for the New York baseball franchise. Moreover, it is believed that Machado’s “Johnny Hustle” comments made in during the post-season would also have been discussed after Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner expressed concern.

Machado has also apologized for the nature of his comments and admits that it came out wrong despite him meaning it differently. He made it clear that he will explain his side of the story to every general manager he meets this offseason.

Meanwhile, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the meeting with the shortstop went off well. The Yankees are “enamored” with Machado and are said to believe that he is the perfect fit.

However, according to Yes Network, where there has to be absolute excitement about the possibility of the most sought-after free agent signing for the Yankees. The fans of the franchise are said to be split 50-50 with many criticizing their decision to pursue Machado.