Yankees Trade Rumors: Manny Machado An Option If New York Can't Land Starting Pitcher By Deadline

The New York Yankees pulled off the biggest transaction of the offseason when they traded for Giancarlo Stanton. Could they do the same before the trade deadline by acquiring Manny Machado?

New York is at least interested in making a deal for the Baltimore Orioles’ shortstop. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are considered the favorites to land Machado, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, but the Yankees have spoken with their division rivals about a possible trade.

It seems inevitable that Baltimore will trade Machado since he’ll be a free agent this winter and the Orioles are nearly 40 games out of first place. The Yankees have one of MLB’s best minor-league systems, likely giving them the capability to pull off a deal.

Would the Yankees actually deal promising prospects for a player they’d have a chance to sign in a few months anyway? New York isn’t exactly hurting for offense, ranking second in runs per game and OPS.

The Yankees barely have room for Machado in the lineup. He’d be an upgrade over shortstop Didi Gregorius or third baseman Miguel Andujar, but both players have been productive this season. The Yankees could send the 23-year-old Andujar back down to the minors for a few months, though Machado has maintained that he has no interest in playing any position other than shortstop.

Perhaps the answer lies in New York setting their sights on a bigger package. The Yankees have reportedly contacted Baltimore about closer Zach Britton and other pitchers. New York might increase their offer in a multi-player deal.

The Yankees parted with three prospects last year when they acquired Todd Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle from the Chicago White Sox, in addition to trading for starting pitcher Sonny Gray. General manager Brian Cashman has made it clear that he hopes to upgrade the roster in some fashion before July 31.

There doesn’t seem to be a game-changer starting pitcher available. If the Yankees’ best chance of getting better is by adding a star hitter and above-average relievers, that could be the route they take.

It’s possible the Yankees are just doing their due diligence in regard to Machado, hoping that Baltimore isn’t getting many desirable offers for what could be a two-month rental. The baseball world was stunned with how little New York had to give up for the reigning NL MVP in December.

Few American League hitters are having a better offensive season than Machado. He earned the starting shortstop spot on the AL All-Star team by hitting 21 home runs with a .309/.379/.555 slash line.