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The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League as they aim for a 28th World Series title.
Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out...
Yankees to meet with Manny Machado
SNY's Andy Martino reported Sunday that while the Yankees will indeed meet with Manny Machado and his agent Dan Lozano, the club will not get into a bidding war for the 26-year-old infielder's services as they once did with CC Sabathia. Fancred's Jon Heyman tweeted that the Yankees will not pay Machado $300 million.
MY TAKE >> Martino has said all along that the Yankees' interest in Machado has been lukewarm. This would indicate that the club's stance remains much the same insofar as they are not going to jump through hurdles to land Machado. The Yankees clearly believe Machado can make the Yanks a better club, or else why speak with him? However, the Yanks do not appear to feel that they cannot make the next step without Machado.
In reference to Heyman's tweet, it is also evident that the Yankees want to adhere to specific contract parameters on a player-by-player case. With the Phillies ready to spend "stupid" money and White Sox fully capable of making a splash and other teams in the mix, the Yanks have seemingly placed limits on their individual spends on free agents (see Patrick Corbin) and do not feel as though they can outlast their opponents as they once did. Maybe the "Yankee way," is truly history.
Yankees completely close the door on Realmuto
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that the Yankees will not pursue Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto. It had been previously reported that the Yankees would not trade current backstop Gary Sanchez for Realmuto.
MY TAKE >> I wrote at length why the Yankees should not entertain trading Sanchez for Realmuto and quite honestly, I have no idea how the Yanks would attain him without Sanchez in the package. As Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has stated numerous times this offseason, Sanchez is the Yanks catcher now and for the future. At this stage, the Realmuto conversation, which was a strange one to hear in the first place, has been put to bed.
Yanks and Padres continue discussing Gray trade
Morosi also tweeted that the Yankees and Padres continue their discussion regarding a Sonny Gray swap.
MY TAKE >> A trade of Gray was placed on the offseason checklist the day the Yankees were eliminated from the postseason. While not a priority amid holes that need to be filled, I could see the Yankees getting this done sooner than later, mainly for peace of mind relating to the amount of money available to them this offseason. Gray has been sought after by up to 11 teams at points this offseason, so there is clearly perceived value around the league and also means the Yankees might receive a reasonable return.