Manny Machado’s future doesn’t appear to include pinstripes.
The New York Yankees haven’t made a formal contract offer to the free-agent superstar, the Daily News’ Wallace Matthews reported Monday, citing sources.
The Bronx once was considered the preferred destination of Machado and his wife, and they even visited the team in late December during his free agency tour. However, negotiations reportedly haven’t reached the concrete stage.
“We’ve talked in concepts,’’ a source told Matthews.
The Yankees signed shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and infielder DJ LeMahieu this month, prompting many to believe they’ve pulled out of the running for Machado.
“I think (Yankeees general manager Brian) Cashman might be looking to add a sixth starter to back up CC (Sabathia), and then he’s pretty much set,” a source told Matthews. “Then again, you never say never.”
Machado entered free agency seeking a contract in excess of the 13-year, $325 million deal Giancarlo Stanton signed in 2015, according to multiple reports. However, the market hasn’t borne those figures this offseason.
Machado reportedly has received a formal contract offer from the Chicago White Sox, and the Philadelphia Phillies also have pursued him vigorously this winter.
With the Yankees seemingly set on infielders, the race for Machado’s services appears to be down to just two teams. Then again, the Yankees might be playing a high-stakes game of chicken with the four-time All-Star.
