The Yankees made their first big move of the offseason yesterday, acquiring left-handed ace James Paxton from the Mariners.
As New York looks to close the gap with the Red Sox, they are also interested in pitchers Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi. Mariners shortstop Jean Segura was also a potential target in the Paxton trade, but the Yankees eventually settled on just Paxton. The price was steep nonetheless, as the Yanks gave up their number one prospect, LHP Justus Sheffield.
But the big names of this MLB offseason are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, and the Yankees have been linked to both.
According to Morosi, "The Yankees have had internal discussions since the offseason began about the possibility of signing Harper to play first base, but one source described that scenario as 'unrealistic' -- at least, for now." Tyler Austin, Greg Bird, and Luke Voit patrolled first base last season in the Bronx.
While Harper seems unlikely as of now, Machado remains much more in play. "The Yankees believe Machado is a better fit for their roster, given the absence of starting shortstop Didi Gregorius while he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow," writes Morosi.
Machado had 37 home runs and 107 RBIs last season, split between Baltimore and Los Angeles. He batted .315. In the World Series against the Red Sox, Machado was 4-22 with three RBIs and five strikeouts.
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