Yankees' Trade Could Be New York's Last Big Offseason Move As Manny Machado Remains A Free Agent

The New York Yankees made yet another move Monday, sending pitcher Sonny Gray to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for a minor leaguer and a draft pick. It could very well be the team's final significant transaction in an offseason that’s been highlighted be several moves, though not the blockbuster signing some had hoped to see.

Since the conclusion of the 2018 World Series, the Yankees have re-signed three free agents (J.A. Happ, Zach Britton and C.C. Sabathia). The team also signed three new players (Adam Ottavino, DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki) and added a starting pitcher through a trade (James Paxton). That list of players doesn’t include Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, who remain available with just a few weeks left until spring training.

The Yankees were once considered the favorites to land Harper, but that changed 13 months ago when the team traded for Giancarlo Stanton. Harper reportedly had his eyes on New York, but the organization has been clear about not offering the 26-year-old a lucrative deal because of their current outfield situation.

Machado and the Yankees have had some mutual interest in that the infielder reportedly wants to wear pinstripes and members of the front office met with the free agent last month. But if any of the latest reports are to be believed, New York isn’t close to matching Machado’s desired contract.

With the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox and a supposed mystery team competing for Machado’s services, the four-time All-Star is reportedly seeking a record-setting contract. Machado might ultimately fall well short of that goal, but the Yankees might not even be willing to pay the star player half of what he’s after.

Perhaps Machado’s offers will be so underwhelming that he’ll ultimately decide to join the Yankees on a lucrative, short-term deal. It just doesn’t appear likely now that New York has a congested infield and Machado might have to leave a lot of money on the table. There are even rumors that the Yankees are eyeing Nolan Arenado to be their third baseman in 2020.

Trade rumors that linked the Yankees to All-Star caliber players like Noah Syndergaard, Corey Kluber and J.T. Realmuto never materialized into any actual deals. The team was outbid for Patrick Corbin, who was the No.1 starting pitcher in free agency.

New York has improved its roster after a 100-win season that ended in the ALDS, though the lack of added star power has made for a seemingly underwhelming offseason.