MLB Rumors: Yankees' Manny Machado Backup Plans Revealed

The New York Yankees are interested in free agent shortstop Manny Machado, but have backup options in place should he sign elsewhere.

Machado is one of the premier free agents available this offseason and is expected to command a lucrative contract. The Yankees are among other teams such as the likes of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox interested in the Dominican.

The 26-year-old could play in his preferred role as a shortstop in the Bronx, given Didi Gregorius being out until the summer at least after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Or given the rumors surrounding Miguel Andujar being possibly dealt by the Yankees, Machado could also take the American League Rookie of the Year runner-up's place at third base.

However, while the Yankees also happen to be Machado's reported first choice, it's also been reported that they do not want to pay him in excess of $300 million, which could see Machado sign with another team.

Both parties will nonetheless, look to strike a deal when the Yankees meet Machado on Wednesday, according to New York Post's George A. King III.

The Phillies and White Sox will also be meeting him, with the former being seen as favorites to land the four-time All-Star given their willingness to splash the cash. In addition, Machado's former coach and longtime mentor Bobby Dickerson recently claimed he would be fine with playing third base if the contract was right.

If that were the case and the Yankees fail to land him, they will likely turn to free agent Freddy Galvis, who they have an interest in, according to King III. The 29-year-old, who last played for the San Diego Padres, would play shortstop until Gregorius returns to full health.

However, they're not the only ones interested in Galvis as the Pittsburgh Pirates also have an interest in him, having recently lost Jordy Mercer to the Detroit Tigers.

Another option for New York is free agent shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Having been released by the Toronto Blue Jays last week after missing all of last season due to heel injuries, the 34-year-old could still be a good addition who could take up Gregorius' place, even if he is unlikely to return to his prime form.

But like Galvis, there's an interest in Tulowitzki as well as there are six teams reportedly in the running for his signature, with the Chicago Cubs being one of the teams interested, according to Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports. He adds that the Cubs will be sending a scout to a workout.

Regardless of what happens, the next few days will certainly be interesting for the Yankees.