Yankees Trade Rumors: Sonny Gray Talks Heating Up, Manny Machado Unlikely To Take Discount In 2019

The New York Yankees could be moving closer toward making a deal, though it doesn’t involve Manny Machado like many fans are hoping. Sonny Gray is drawing significant interest from teams around the league as New York renews their quest to deal the pitcher.

After general manager Brian Cashman openly said on several occasions that the Yankees planned to trade Gray, it appeared that C.C. Sabathia’s health scare stalled the trade discussions. Now that Sabathia has been cleared to start pitching, New York is expected to reignite those talks.

Fancred’s Jon Heyman named the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners as teams that have been linked to Gray. Other teams could jump into the fray, as well.

The Yankees are reportedly targeting top pitching prospects in return for Gray, and they could shed some payroll by dealing the right-hander. It probably won’t be enough money for New York to make a big play for one of the superstar free agents.

When the Yankees agreed to a two-year, $24 million contract with second baseman DJ LeMahieu, it appeared to take them out of the Manny Machado Sweepstakes, leaving the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox. Machado is reportedly seeking a contract north of $300 million, and the Yankees might not even be willing to go to $200 million for the infielder.

Recent reports could give the impression that a window has opened for the Yankees to sign Machado at a discount. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Philadelphia is the clear-cut favorite to sign Bryce Harper after meeting with the outfielder Saturday. Assuming the Phillies won’t sign both star free agents, Machado could be hard-pressed to find a contract that meets his demands.

There are multiple reports that Chicago has only offered Machado a seven-year deal worth around $200 million. Does that mean Machado would take a deal worth slightly less to play in New York? The Yankees have reportedly been Machado’s No.1 option, and he would sign with the organization if all of his offers were equal.

But free agents rarely leave money on the table, and Machado might not be any different. SNY.tv’s Andy Martino has reported that Machado is expected to choose the largest contract offer, no matter which team gives it to him. That should come as little surprise, given that he’s been hoping to sign a record-setting deal.

Signing a star like Machado for well short of Giancarlo Stanton’s $325 million contract might seem like a bargain to some, but it sounds like the Yankees aren’t entertaining a lengthy contract offer for the prized infielder.