Yankees Rumors: Manny Machado Won't Get Desired Contract From New York In MLB Free Agency

For much of the 2018 MLB season, it was speculated the Manny Machado might get a record-setting contract in free agency. Even if the infielder falls just short of making history with his new deal, it sounds like it won’t be with the New York Yankees.

According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees are not willing to pay Machado $300 million. That number is less than the $325 million contract Giancarlo Stanton signed four years ago, and it might be the minimum that it’ll take to land the All-Star.

New York reportedly has interest in signing Machado, who could fill in at shortstop as Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John Surgery and play third base in the Bronx for years to come. Heyman has reported that the Yankees are Machado’s No.1 choice, though his contract demands could keep the 26-year-old from playing in the Big Apple.

If it’s not the Yankees, some team will probably offer Machado a deal close to $300 million. The Philadelphia Phillies have admitted they’re ready to spend a lot of money this offseason, and they are considered to be major players for both Machado and Bryce Harper. The Chicago White Sox could throw tons of money at one of the two big free agents.

It wouldn’t be surprising for some other team to swoop in and offer to pay Machado $300 million.

Machado is likely looking to sign a 10-year contract. The Yankees don’t seem to want to make that kind of commitment to another player. They already have Stanton on the roster after acquiring him a year ago.

The Yankees were considered to be the favorites to sign Patrick Corbin this offseason, but they didn’t come close to matching the Washington Nationals’ offer of $140 million over six years. That could be a sign New York won’t budge on what they are willing to pay Machado.

With a career-high .905 OPS in 162 games with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers, Machado had arguably his best offensive season in 2018. There is speculation, however, that the infielder’s lack of hustle and perceived dirty play in the playoffs might have cost him some money.

Machado has made four All-Star teams since the 2013 season with two top-five MVP finishes. He’s hit at least 33 home runs in four straight years.