Exploring what the Yankees' offer for Manny Machado could look like

As the annual trade deadline looms near, the Yankees are reportedly “making a strong push” for superstar shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado, Jon Heyman of Fan Cred Sports reported.

 

Photo Credit: NYDN

With Didi Gregorius locked in at the shortstop position and Miguel Andujar thriving in his rookie season after finally getting his opportunity, some may think it’s a bit surprising that the Yanks are going after Machado. As Ryan Thoms of our very own BBB pointed out, the lack of the starting pitching market may force the Yanks to trade for a top-notch bat like Machado. So, what would a possible package look like?

Well, according to Heyman, the Yanks’ strong offer made to the Orioles does not include outfielder Clint Frazier or starting pitcher Justus Sheffield. Arguably the two best Yankees prospects (Frazier doesn’t have the prospect label anymore, but would be if he was still eligible) , it would be a steal for the Yanks if they were to pull off a deal without giving up either one of those two. So, if Frazier and Sheffield weren’t offered, right-hander Chance Adams is an almost definite inclusion in the deal. With pitching being a major need of the Orioles for years, Adams could be a middle-of-the-rotation guy for them eventually. Ranked as the fourth prospect in the Yankees farm system by MLB.com, Adams has struggled to regain his 2017 form where he was absolutely dominant. He’s pitched to a 4.82 ERA for a 3-3 record across 16 starts for Scranton Wilkes-Barre in Triple-A. As the best pitcher offered, the Orioles may refuse the offer until the Yanks throw in Sheffield rather than Adams.

 

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Along with Adams, another guy likely offered in this deal by the Yanks to their AL East rival is Estevan Florial. The centerfielder broke out onto the scene in 2017 and climbed the prospect rankings quite fast. With Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, possibly Clint Frazier, and even Aaron Hicks all occupying outfield spots for the Yanks future, Florial may be blocked. He’s still quite raw as well, as he’s not expected to arrive in the majors until about 2020 at the earliest. The Orioles can wait that time though, as they’re certainly in the start of a rebuild. Still just 20-years old, Florial is rated as the Yanks’ best prospect and the 37th best prospect across baseball. Seen as a potential five-tool player, Florial would be a nice headlining piece to a potential deal.

 

Photo Credit: BA

For the third piece in a potential deal the Yanks offered, one has to figure it’s another starting pitcher. With many to choose from, as 13 of the top 15 Yankees prospects are pitchers, right-handers Luis Medina or Freicer Perez are the likeliest options. Dillon Tate could also be a potential target or even Albert Abreu (61st rated prospect in baseball), but it’s unlikely the Yanks would give up the latter. Medina and Perez, fifth and sixth respectively in the Yanks prospect rankings, have both been relatively disappointing this season, but still have high ceilings. Medina’s posted a 6.75 ERA in four starts in Rookie ball and Perez’s is even worse, sitting at 7.20 with an 0-4 record in six starts for Tampa in High-A Ball. Perez is also out for the season due to shoulder surgery. As evidenced by each of them being in the lower stages of the minor leagues, they’re still a few years away from making an impact at the major league level. With Perez being an intimidating 6’8” and the higher ceiling (he has been compared to Dellin Betances), he’s probably the more likely the one that was offered.

 

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So far, a package of Florial, Adams, and Perez doesn’t seem to be enough for a guy like Manny Machado, even if he’s just a rental. Neither one of those three guys have exactly impressed in 2018 and that’s why giving the Orioles Brandon Drury as the fourth and final piece of the deal is the potential offer. Drury’s been blocked all season ever since Andujar took over and could offer a nice option at the major league level in the Orioles rebuilding stage. His ability to play second base, third base, outfield, and even first base if needed, makes him that much more of an intriguing option.

 

Photo Credit: NY Post

With no Clint Frazier and no Justus Sheffield offered in the Yanks rumored proposal to the Orioles, a potential package of Estevan Florial, righties Chance Adams and Freicer Perez, and utility man Brandon Drury could possibly be what the Yanks offered. Florial and Adams are the headlining pieces, Perez would be more of a risk due to his surgery, but could be really rewarding if he plays up to his potential, and Drury would give the Orioles an infielder to build their team around. Though it’s possible, this is also just a speculation on what the deal could look like.

Stay tuned to BBB for all Yankees trade deadline rumors!

Article by: Spencer Schultz

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