7 years agoIt's not out of the question that the New York Yankees could swing a deal for third baseman Manny Machado, even though the superstar can hit free agency next year. It's a long shot, but Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic explores a possibility that the Yankees land Machado. New York's major obstacle is avoiding the luxury-tax threshold. One way the Yankees could get it done is by acquiring Rays starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi for mid-level prospects and then packaging Odorizzi, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and a high-level prospect for Machado. The Yanks would also have to pay a big chunk of Ellsbury's remaining $68.4 million over the next three years. Infield prospect Miguel Andujar would be a likely trade piece as well, potentially serving as a replacement at third base for Machado in Baltimore. Ellsbury has a no-trade clause, though, so that could nix the deal. Keep in mind that this scenario represents a long shot, and the Orioles and Rays may have no interest in trading within the division. But if the Yankees aren't already favorites in the American League after landing slugger Giancarlo Stanton, just think what would happen if they were to trade for one of the best young third basemen in the league?--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com - Ben Weinrib