Around the Empire: Yankees news - 1/6/18

FanRag | Jon Heyman: Since Gerrit Cole rumors have seemingly dried up, so it’s time to admit that there’s nothing else to discuss. I’m kidding, of course. Rumors once again have it that the Yankees are knocking on the Manny Machado door. The same reasons why Machado seems unlikely to join the Bronx Bombers this year are still there. Sure, the Yankees’ offer might be the best. However, the O’s are reluctant to trade him to a division rival, even though there’s a good chance he’ll wind up here next year when he’s a free agent. Or perhaps Cashman will trade Luis Cessa and Austin Romine for Machado, send him that Seinfeld GIF, and call it an offseason.

Fangraphs | Carson Cistulli: We finally have some ZiPS projections for you for the 2018 New York Yankees. To put it simply, it’s looking pretty good. When Giancarlo Stanton compares to Harmon Killebrew and Luis Severino compares to Dwight Gooden, it’s looking to be a promising year. Definitely give this a read.

MLB.com | Jon Morosi: Meanwhile, in Queens, the Mets are looking to bolster their roster a bit. A couple of names they’re looking at are Mike Moustakas and Tom’s River native Todd Frazier. I don’t believe there’s a photo out there of a young Frazier with Rey Ordonez, but maybe? Anyway, a key factor to signing either of them would be if their price drops. Oh Mets...

YES Network | A.J. Herrmann: Finally, the Yankees made a move yesterday. They signed Braves’ utility INF Jace Peterson to a minor league deal. Peterson may very well compete for a starting job with the Yankees, since he can play both second and third base. Perhaps he could be an upgrade over Ronald Torreyes. Perhaps Jace is the key to the World Series Championship. Per. Haps.