No Manny Christmas for the Yankees, White Sox and Phillies.
According to a report, free-agent infielder Manny Machado isn’t going to inform the three finalists of his decision until after the New Year’s Eve hangovers abate.
The Yankees don’t need to have a private detective shadow Machado in South Florida to know he wants to play for them.
Having met and dined with the Yankees on Wednesday in New York, Machado knows they are interested and understands they aren’t likely to drop a 10-year deal for $300 million on him.
However, as of early Friday afternoon, it was believed the Yankees hadn’t made any type of offer to the 26-year-old. He also met with the White Sox and the Phillies, who are under pressure to sign outfielder Bryce Harper or Machado.
Also Friday there was industry speculation the Phillies are also leery of a 10-year deal for $300 million for Machado, who has had each knee operated on once and needs to repair his image after being labeled as a dirty player and foolishly admitting hustling wasn’t part of his makeup during the postseason.
Teams, the Yankees among them, often talk in concepts with representatives of free agents. An example of that is a club asking, “Would you do X years for Y dollars.” Some take that as an offer but technically it isn’t.
An report by The Athletic said Machado has told friends if the Yankees’ offer is close he would sign with them.
What is close?
Some in the industry believe Machado is seeking north of $300 million across 10 years. Would seven years for $240 million from the Yankees be close if the Phillies offer him eight years at $280? Seven for $240 million would average $35 million per year and top Zack Greinke’s annual average salary of $34.4 million, which is the most in history. Is that close? And where do the White Sox, who would like Machado to spearhead a rebuilding effort, check in?
As they did when Patrick Corbin opted to sign with the Nationals, the Yankees aren’t in position to be left naked if Machado doesn’t land in The Bronx.
The Yankees have been in touch with free agent Freddy Galvis and are intrigued by former All-Star Troy Tulowitzki, who is also a free agent.Galvis and Tulowitzki are not close to as good offensively as Machado is, but are far less inexpensive. Also, Didi Gregorius is expected back from Tommy John surgery on the right (throwing) elbow at some point this coming season.
The oft-injured Tulowitzki became a free agent last week when the Blue Jays released the 34-year-old from the final two years of his contract despite owing him $38 million.
Tulowitzki, who wore No. 2 with the Rockies because he was a Derek Jeter fan, has played in 325 games in the past five seasons and none this past season due to heel problems. In 2017, he was limited to 66 games because of an ankle injury that ended his season in late July. The most games Tulowitzki played for the Blue Jays in a season was 131 in 2016.
The Yankees’ passion for a much younger Tulowitzki was on display in 2010 when, according to a Sports Illustrated story, general manager Brian Cashman and Jeter were discussing a contract.
“Who would you rather have playing shortstop this year than me?” Jeter asked Cashman.
“Do you really want me to answer that?” Cashman replied. Jeter told him to go ahead, and he listed Tulowitzki, then the Rockies’ shortstop.
“We’re not paying extra money for popularity,” he added, “We’re paying for performance.”
The Yankees had scout JT Stotts watch Tulowitzki’s workout Wednesday at Long Beach State, where, according to people in attendance, he moved well defensively and shelved the closed batting stance he was working on last spring training.
According to former Blue Jays manager John Gibbons, Tulowitzki’s offensive slipped after he joined the Blue Jays in 2015 and has never returned to the level that made him an All Star. However, even though Tulowitzki hasn’t played in a big league game since late July 2017, Gibbons believes the defensive prowess that led to two Gold Glove awards remains intact.
“I think he can still play defense, offensively it has gone downhill,’’ Gibbons told The Post.After joining the Blue Jays in 2015, Tulowitzki hit .250 with 36 homers and 122 RBIs in 238 games. His best year with Toronto was 2016 when Tulowitzki batted 254 with 24 homers and 79 RBIs.
Since any club signing Tulowitzki will be on the hook for only the major league minimum and because of his pedigree, he is intriguing option and a very low risk.
Galvis, a 29-year-old switch-hitter, has drawn interest from multiple teams who like his versatility and reputation as a good guy to have in the clubhouse. In 162 games for the Padres last year Galvis hit .248 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs so he brings pop that could help make up for Gregorius, who hit a career-high 27 homers last year and has 72 in the past three seasons.
According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Red Sox believe David Robertson isn’t likely to sign with them. Boston was very interested in the former Yankees reliever and current free agent, who many believe is looking for a three-year deal with clubs wanting to keep it at two. The Phillies have also shown an interest in Robertson, who prefers to remain in the Northeast. The Yankees also are looking for two relievers.
The Yankees signed a pair of left-handed pitchers to minor league contracts Thursday. Danny Coulombe and Rex Brothers have been invited to spring training. Coulombe, 29, was 1-1 with a 4.56 ERA in 27 appearances for the A’s this past season. Brothers, 31, appeared in one big league game last year for the Braves after being on the Opening Day roster. In parts of seven big league seasons with the Rockies and Braves, he is 20-14 with 20 saves and a 3.79 ERA in 314 games.