Over that last few days I have been doing the only thing a Yankee fan can do right now, that’s think about what our roster will look like the next upcoming year and who will be the new faces. There are plenty of big free agents that can be acquired while some smaller deals can be made as well. Same goes for trades, we can make a blockbuster trade or minor one. After considering many options I decided to think about the effects they would have on 2019 and the future. Going with one of the most talked about options, I had to think about what it would be like if Manny Machado was brought in as a free agent this off-season.

Before Didi Gregorius underwent Tommy john surgery on his right elbow, Manny Machado was already an interesting option not only because his ability with the bat, but because a chance to have a left side infield with Machado and Didi doesn’t come by often. Of course, one could say we really aren’t going to see much of Didi next season until hopefully the end and after that a similar infield can be made with Nolan Arenado but let’s leave that for a future post. Nevertheless, the acquisition of Manny Machado would have an immediate effect on our starting lineup and open the door for other options.

Option 1: Manny Machado with Giancarlo as DH

Manny Machado SS

Aaron Judge RF

Aaron Hicks CF

Giancarlo Stanton DH

Luke Voit 1B

Gary Sanchez C

Miguel Andujar 3B

Gleyber Torres 2B

Brett Gardner LF*

Option 2: Manny Machado with Andujar as DH

Manny Machado SS

Aaron Judge RF

Aaron Hicks CF

Giancarlo Stanton LF

Luke Voit 1B

Gary Sanchez C

Miguel Andujar DH

Gleyber Torres 2B

Neil Walker 3B*

Both Brett Gardner and Neil Walker represent recent examples of the type of player that can be added to our team until Didi Gregorius comes back. Those types of players being a switch or left-handed outfielder like Gardner and same for and infielder like Walker. If the dream most people are hoping for of having Machado and Harper does happen, then you move his spot up a lot higher on this lineup. Until then we must consider everyone from Brett Gardner to players like Michael Brantley, Marwin Gonzalez, Nick Markakis, and even the right-handed Andrew McCutchen that did an amazing job of getting on-base in front of Aaron Judge. Either of these players could accept a short term offer maybe even until Mike Trout becomes a free agent after the 2020 season which would be another dream scenario for Yankee fans. In the infield Neil Walker, Jed Lowrie, Daniel Murphy, and Asdrubal Cabrera are all options to fill-in.

One thing I think most Yankee fans can agree on is that on the offensive side, two players need to be added, whether its Manny Machado and someone in the outfield or infield. But we must picture the possibility that only Manny Machado is added, and the rest of the focus is put on the pitching staff. What exactly are our options if that does happen? I strongly believe the Yankees will keep Gardner for this upcoming season making lineup option 1 my main prediction for this scenario. Now to the in-house options we might have forgotten about.

Option 3: Manny and In-house Solution

Manny Machado SS

Aaron Judge RF

Aaron Hicks CF

Giancarlo Stanton LF

Luke Voit 1B

Gary Sanchez C

Miguel Andujar 3B

Greg Bird / Clint Frazier DH

Gleyber Torres 2B

To be clear I would much rather have Clint Frazier in left instead of Giancarlo who might not be completely comfortable there, while in first base Greg Bird and Luke Voit can alternate defensively day-to-day to stay healthy. We must consider that somewhere in the Yankees office they have not given up on both of these extremely talented young players and if contracts aren’t met with previously mentioned veterans these are for sure two players who can step up like we have seen them before and help us out next year.

Like I said before the only thing we can do now is think about what might happen this off-season and with just one addition so many options have come up for me. I would like to know your opinions on my options or your own different options. Just wanted to let some thoughts out on the possibility of Manny Machado coming to the Bronx.