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Forbes.com | Larry Fleisher: The Yankees are reportedly “lukewarm” on Manny Machado after some of his postseason “antics,” but as the Yanks have shown for years, they are never really out on a player until he signs along the dotted line with another team. Shortstop is currently an area of need, at least for the first few months of the season, and Machado is one of the best in the business. He may have a track record of spotty on-field behavior, but he also has a track record of elite play.
New York Post | Joel Sherman: Beware all, Hal Steinbrenner is PISSED! So pissed he might actually consider spending money this winter! But in all seriousness, Steinbrenner didn’t enjoy watching the Red Sox celebrate a World Series win last weekend. Despite his untethered anger, he tells Sherman that he thinks the Yanks can win a title without going over the luxury tax, and that he won’t hesitate to go over the luxury tax if he has to, all in the same breath. So take from that what you will.
New York Post | Post Staff Report: The Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw have agreed to push back the deadline for the lefty to decide whether he will opt out of his current deal or not. He now has until 4:00 EST on Friday, so potentially interested parties like the Yankees will just have to wait. The Yanks are in need of starting pitching help, though Kershaw’s recent injuries and World Series struggles could prevent them from pulling out the checkbook.
YES Network | Lou DiPietro: Any Kershaw talks may be on hold, but the Yanks have another lefty starter to decide on in the meantime. DiPietro breaks down the pros and cons of bringing back CC Sabathia, who has already expressed his intentions to pitch in 2019. Thanks to another solid season in 2018, I’d bet he finds a landing spot. Will it be in the Bronx?
*Additionally, there’s a great story about Chien-Ming Wang on The Athletic, which takes a deep dive into his painstaking journey back to the majors after suffering a foot injury with the Yanks in 2008. The Athletic, as many of you know, requires a paid subscription, so if anyone has one, be sure to check it out!