Following the Yankees ALDS loss to the Boston Red Sox, news broke that New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius would have to undergo Tommy John Surgery. How will this impact the Yankees plan going into free agency?
The New York Yankees major focus going into free agency is to sign a starting pitcher. However, could change with the news that Yankee shortstop, Didi Gregorius would need Tommy John Surgery, and will miss a chunk of the 2019 season.
So what does this mean?
He will likely miss the first month or two of the season so chances are they’re not going to make a huge splash for a star will they?
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Well, typically the answer to this question would be no they won’t, but this is not a typical year.
One of the best, if not the best shortstop in the league is entering free agency this offseason, and his name is Manny Machado.
Machado has been incredible for years and after making the transition from third base to shortstop without a hitch, Machado will be a hot commodity going into the offseason.
Back in July, when Machado was traded from Baltimore to the Dodgers, there were several rumors about the Yankees making a push for the third baseman turned shortstop.
This being said, they had the intention of attempting to sign him back following the season.
If this is the case who’s to say they don’t make a push for him now that he will officially be a free agent?
With Didi Gregorius out for what could be a couple months, why wouldn’t they make a push for Machado?
It makes complete sense for the Yankees to at least push for him with everything that has happened in October.
If the Yankees want to contend for a World Series and get past the Red Sox, then they will need to change up something.
Now, Gregorius has been fantastic since the very first game he put on Pinstripes, and I’m not overlooking that fact.
However, if you have the chance to sign one of the best players in the game, you jump on that.
Manny Machado helped bring a Dodgers team from almost being counted out in July, to an NL West title as they beat the Colorado Rockies in a ‘Play-In Game 163’.
Machado was a big reason why the Dodgers made it to that play in game, because without him they might not have even made the playoffs.
In the 66 regular season games, Manny Machado played with the Dodgers he batted .273 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs.
To put this into perspective for you, lets compare his stats to that of Didi Gregorius.
- Didi Gregorius 2018 Season: 134 games, 27 home runs, 86 RBIs, .268 average, 10 stolen bases
- Manny Machado 2018 Season: 162 games, 37 home runs, 107 RBIs, .297 average, 14 stolen bases
Based on those stats alone, you could see Manny Machado would be worth the investment.
First of all, you’re getting a guy who has the capability of playing an entire season, seeing he did not miss a single game in 2018.
Next, you’re getting a guy who can hit for power and shine defensively. Every single one of Machado’s stats were better than Gregorius’ in 2018. Plus, he is arguably a better defender.
The only problem is the money.
In order to sign Machado, the Yankees will need to give him between $300-400 million over ten years, and it will likely be closer to that $400 million number.
The Yankees have a young team and they’re gonna have to pay Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, Luis Severino, and make a decision on Gary Sanchez.
With this being said, the Yankees don’t exactly have the money to just throw at players like Manny Machado.
If you can keep a guy like Didi Gregorius for around $10-20 million a year then why wouldn’t you do that?
Sure, Machado is a better player but does that mean he is worth the $300-400 million he will ask for?
If the Yankees want to have a good team over the next couple of years they need to stick to their plan going into free agency and make a push for a starting pitcher.
In doing this, they will manage to keep the team they have right now together and be consistent going forward.