Around the Empire: Yankees news - 1/6/19

New York Post | Joel Sherman: Scott Boras has worked out a creative contract for his client Yusei Kikuchi with the Mariners and it may be the key to Bryce Harper or Manny Machado signing record-breaking contracts that also appeal to teams. This contract structure would sign either star free agent for three years, with a four-year extension at the end. If the team refuses the extension, the player could then trigger a one-year option or enter free agency. This format would allow for giant yearly salaries for the players, but still enable teams to cut-and-run after a few years.

CBS | Jonah Keri: In the middle of another slow winter for Major League Baseball, CBS polled team executives to get their take on the shifting trends of the offseason. The responses offer some interesting insights from voices around the league on what’s taking so long to sign Harper and Machado, the pros and cons of a slow market, and the idea of changing the timing of the offseason free agency period.

SNY: News broke last night that the Yankees and Zach Britton reached an agreement. The southpaw will return to the Bronx with three guaranteed years for $39 million. There’s also an opt-out and a club option attached to the contract.