Phillies rumors: Yankees don’t want Manny Machado playing shortstop
By John Town
The odds of the Phillies signing Manny Machado are significantly better as the Yankees plan on using Troy Tulowitzki as their shortstop.
The Yankees are considered to be the Phillies’ main competition for Manny Machado as he reportedly has a strong interest in playing for them. However, the Yankees may have put a dent in his interest with their signing of Troy Tulowitzki.
The Yankees announced the signing of Tulowitzki Friday. When asked about how Tulowitzki’s signing impacts their pursuit of Machado, general manager Brian Cashman said that the team will keep Tulowitzki at his longtime position:
"“I can’t say what it would take us out of, but we’re going into this with a commitment level to try Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop.”"
More from Phillies Rumors
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Could Phillies sign 2nd former Mets starting pitcher in same offseason?
- Phillies rumor: Dansby Swanson could be club’s alternative to Trea Turner
- Rob Thomson apology hints possible Phillies blockbuster signing
- Phillies rumors: Club likely to land top shortstop on free-agent market
Andy Martino of SNY reiterated this fact, reporting that if Tulowitzki is healthy, the shortstop job will be his. Martino said that the Yankees aggressively went after Tulowitzki and the interest was mutual.
So how does this impact Machado and the Phillies? This more or less confirms that Machado will not be playing shortstop for the Yankees even if he does sign with them.
This was already the case in Philadelphia after they acquired Jean Segura from the Mariners.
Machado insisted on playing shortstop for the Orioles last season and it is reportedly a factor in his free agency decision. Now, the only team he will be able to be the everyday shortstop for is the White Sox. They are only willing to give him a seven-year deal, so Machado will have to choose between playing shortstop, playing for his first choice team, or the most money.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
- Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
For what it’s worth, Martino tweeted that Philadelphia may move Segura to accommodate Machado. That doesn’t seem likely as the team wants Segura to be their shortstop and he is better defensively.
Machado could still play third base for the Yankees, but they have Rookie of the Year runner-up Miguel Andujar already there. His defense needs some major work, but his offensive upside is more than high enough for the Yankees to keep him around.
Meanwhile, third base is wide open for Machado in Philadelphia. He is a major upgrade over Maikel Franco or anyone else the team would trot out there.
Machado will get the most money coming here, which may mean more to him now that he knows he won’t be the shortstop in New York.
Next. Filling out Phillies bullpen with David Robertson. dark
Just how much Machado wants to play shortstop will become clear as he gets closer to signing. If it matters that much to him, he will go to the White Sox. If not, then Philadelphia or New York is more likely.