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New York Yankees don’t need Manny Machado, but I want him

By Sean Dyer

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 12: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first game of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 12: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first game of a doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 12, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The New York Yankees don’t have a need for Manny Machado, but as the infielder continues to rake, I want him in pinstripes.

The prized free agents this upcoming offseason are Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. Thanks to staying under the luxury tax threshold this season, the New York Yankees are expected to have quite a bit of money to spend on such prized free agents.

When it comes to Harper, the Yankees already have Aaron Judge in right field and reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton at designated hitter. Aaron Hicks seems to have center field locked down, Clint Frazier should be ready to take over for Brett Gardner in left field next season, and Jacoby Ellsbury, unfortunately, is signed through 2020.

There also isn’t much room for Machado, although he can play shortstop or third base. Machado was granted his wish of moving to shortstop this season, but if he wants to play for the Yankees, he’ll have to move back to third base with Didi Gregorius expected to play shortstop in the Bronx for the foreseeable future. There’s a bit of a logjam at third base as well. Miguel Andujar has more than held his own at the hot corner this season and the Yankees traded for Brandon Drury this offseason with expectations of him starting at third base.

Do the Yankees need to sign Manny Machado? No. Do I want them to? Absolutely.

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Machado hit his 13th home run on Saturday, tying him with Mookie Betts for the league lead. It was also his third straight game with a homer (although he did not leave the yard in the second game of Baltimore’s doubleheader). Machado is also more than just a power hitter. He is hitting .342 with nine doubles, 36 RBI, and a .426 on-base percentage. Machado has just as many walks as he does strikeouts (23). Whether it’s at third base or shortstop, Machado is also a plus defender. There isn’t much not to like about Machado.

The real question would be where the Yankees would put Machado. Third base seems like the realistic option. Drury could become a utility player with the ability to play second base and both corner outfield spots. Andujar could get reps at first base (especially with Greg Bird’s health being a constant concern) and work in at DH with Stanton getting time in left field.

With stars like Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Luis Severino making close to the league minimum and rookies Andujar and Gleyber Torres years from cashing in on their talent, the New York Yankees will have plenty of money to spend on Machado. Even with certain financial restraints in place, the Yankees should have no problem fitting Machado’s contract into their budget.

The 2019 New York Yankees lineup could look like this with Machado on board:

  1. 3B Manny Machado
  2. RF Aaron Judge
  3. SS Didi Gregorius
  4. DH Giancarlo Stanton
  5. C Gary Sanchez
  6. 1B Greg Bird
  7. CF Aaron Hicks
  8. LF Clint Frazier
  9. 2B Gleyber Torres

That’s absolutely terrifying for opposing pitching staffs.

Next: Should the Yankees trade Dellin Betances?

The need for Machado is not there, but that’s not stopping me from envisioning him in pinstripes next season.

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