Yankees Trade Rumors: New York Interested In All-Star Shortstop Besides Manny Machado?

The New York Yankees have long been among the favorites to sign Manny Machado this offseason, and the injury to shortstop Didi Gregorius might’ve increased the likelihood of the free agent going to the Bronx. There are signs, however, that the Bronx Bombers are looking for a cheaper solution on the left side of the infield.

According to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, the Yankees and Seattle Mariners had conversions about shortstop Jean Segura before completing a trade that sent pitcher James Paxton to New York. If New York had acquired the infielder, there’s a good chance it would have knocked them out of the Manny Machado Sweepstakes.

Seattle seems open to dealing their top players for the right price, so it’s possible the Yankees could revisit those trade discussions. Segura made his second All-Star team last year, hitting .304/.341/.415 with 20 stolen bases.

The 28-year-old is set to make $14.25 million per year through the 2022 season. Machado could command an average yearly salary worth twice as much as what Segura will earn.

Adding Machado or another big bat is reportedly not the Yankees’ top priority. Even after acquiring Paxton, New York is looking to significantly improve their rotation. Free Agent Patrick Corbin or J.A. Happ could be the next player the Yankees sign to a lucrative contract.

The Yankees had reportedly shown interesting trading for Corey Kluber or Carlos Carrasco, though the Paxton trade might have ended the possibility of New York making a deal for one of the Cleveland Indians’ pitchers.

Gregorius could return from his Tommy John Surgery shortly after the 2019 All-Star break. New York is not in desperate need of adding Machado or another All-Star caliber infielder.

Machado is much more likely to become a Yankee than Bryce Harper, despite rumors that New York could ask the outfielder to move to first base. The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to make a play for both superstars.