Recently, reports have surfaced that the New York Yankees front office has become “Lukewarm” on pending free agent slugger Manny Machado. And have downright not even discussed Bryce Harper. If the reports are true the long-awaited spending spree seems unlikely. So where does that leave things for the Bronx Bombers?
The New York Yankees have a very young and talented ballclub. Most of whom are under team-friendly contracts. But those contracts will increase exponentially given the level of talent of the Bombers young players. Players like Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino, Miguel Andújar and Gleyber Torres will all be receiving paydays. Not to mention the necessary decisions that must be made on players like Aaron Hicks, Dellin Betances, and the currently injured Didi Gregorius.
The other aspect beyond the current friendly deals on the books is the exorbitant contract of Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton is due to be paid a lot of money over the next approximately $250 million over the next 10 years. The Yankees have made a concerted effort over the last few years getting under the Luxury Tax Threshold. And while under the Luxury Tax Threshold now, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has been on record saying that he doesn’t believe a 200 plus million dollar budget is necessary to win.
What To Believe?
With the reports and the previous statements of Hal Steinbrenner, the question becomes what do the Yankees do? Will they abandon the budget? What will be the reaction to Boston winning the World Series? Will they sign one or both of the top free agents?
Well let’s get into it, I do believe that the Yankees will have a plan of attack for this offseason. I believe that they have had a plan for quite some time. Pitching, pitching, pitching will be the focus, Yanks GM Brian Cashman has made that clear. I do believe that the luxury tax threshold won’t be an issue. I also think that the Yanks will react in a big way to the Red Sox winning the 2018 World Series.
The Big Question
But to answer the big question on everyone’s mind, will the Yankees sign one or both of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado? And I believe the answer is…No. Even though the Luxury Tax Threshold won’t be a factor the more than likely decade (or more) required years of service to lock down either of the two superstars will be too much for the Yankees.
If I Were The GM
Because of the nature of the players and the way everyone feels about being the GM. I will leave it up to everyone to decide. Comment Below.
