Manny Machado walks back ‘Johnny Hustle’ comments | What it means for Yankees

Star free agent Manny Machado took back the comments he made to The Athletic that he didn’t like to hustle in comments to MLB.com on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 (11/20/18). Here’s what it means to the Yankees and owner Hal Steinbrenner.

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Of course this was coming.

When Manny Machado told The Athletic in the postseason that he doesn’t like to hustle — saying that he’ll never be the “Johnny Hustle“-type and that it’s not his “cup of tea” — he put himself in danger of losing perhaps tens of millions of dollars in what was set to be a gigantic, maybe even record-breaking, free agency this winter.

He walked those back in a report posted to MLB.com early Wednesday morning.

According to reporter Mark Feinsand, Machado said he didn’t really mean it:

“When I was asked that question, I was definitely on the defensive, and I was wrong to answer it the way that I did, because looking back, it doesn’t come across how I meant it,” Machado said. “For me, I was trying to talk about how I’m not the guy who is eye wash. There’s a difference between fake hustle for show and being someone who tries hard to win. I’ve always been the guy who does whatever he can to win for his team.

“But I know how I said it and how that came across, and it’s something I take responsibility for. I look forward to talking with each GM and owner that we meet with about that, or any other questions they have.”

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What it means for the Yankees: Owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman each had said Machado — a 26-year-old star shortstop — would have to explain exactly what he meant when he said what he said while playing for the Dodgers in the playoffs. Those explanations, presumably, would have to happen before Cashman and his front office during contract talks. Now Machado’s “true” attitude toward the subject is out in the open.

Will this help him get his money? Hard to say. Machado seemed destined to get upward of $300 million from some team at some point. And it’s not like Machado’s stated desire to not hustle has appeared to hurt him much in terms of production. Machado had a superb 2018, hitting 37 home runs with 107 RBI and a .297 batting average with the Orioles and Los Angeles. By the way, he played 162 games. He also did that in 2015 and he’s missed just 11 games over the last four seasons.

Should the Yankees buy it? It all depends on cost. If the Yankees feel Machado’s price tag is too high, they might hint that they didn’t buy his explanation. If they sign him, they’ll say they felt comfortable with Machado’s effort level, particularly after his public statement.

What else? Machado didn’t give much of a hint toward his future in the report. He was complimentary toward the Dodgers, mentioned how Miami is his home and how it was different trying to communicate with family considering the three-hour time zone difference, and he said a city’s size won’t play a role in whether he signs with a team.

Remember, he fits the Yankees: Machado works in a few ways. One, he’s supremely talented, and his bat plays anywhere. Two, shortstop Didi Gregorius will miss — at the very least — half the season following Tommy John surgery in October. Machado could play shortstop until Gregorius, the superior defender, returns. Three, Machado has won a pair of Gold Gloves at third base, and if he signed with the Yankees, he could shift there — bumping AL Rookie of the Year runner-up Miguel Andujar to first base, perhaps — when Gregorius returns.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.