MLB hot stove: Yankees start homework on Manny Machado, report says

The Yankees have started doing their homework on free agent star Manny Machado, according to a report.

The Yankees are doing their homework.

They have been contacting people close to Manny Machado for background information on the star free agent shortstop, according to a report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman figures to be among the many potential suitors for Machado, a 26-year-old whose overall ability could land him a payday of more than $300 million this offseason.

Cashman declined last week to speak about his potential interest in Machado and about Machado’s comment during this year’s playoffs that he doesn’t like to hustle. Machado also clearly didn’t run hard several times, too, during the postseason.

“I’m going to be engaging the entire landscape in the free agent market,” Cashman said, surrounded by reporters in front of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, a day before the 2018 General Managers Meetings were due to start.

“I’m not going to say who and when but we will make sure we check every box in terms of what’s available and the cost associated with what’s available in both marketplaces, free agency and trades.”

Machado would be the outright best player on the market — if it wasn’t for outfielder Bryce Harper, who is also looking for a home and figures to draw at least some interest from the Yankees.

Machado reportedly wants badly to play for the Yankees. He grew up an Alex Rodriguez fan in Miami and Rodriguez has been an advisor to owner Hal Steinbrenner for the past two seasons since retirement, tho it’s unclear whether he’ll return in the role in 2019. Machado and Rodriguez also have a personal relationship.

The Yankees would be able to put Machado at shortstop, his preferred position, as regular shortstop Didi Gregorius recovers from the Tommy John surgery he had on his right arm, with which he throws, in October. The team hopes Gregorius could return as early as June, though it’s possible he’ll miss the entire season.

Since Gregorius is considered the superior defender, when Gregorius returns from the disabled list, it’s possible the Yankees could shift Machado to third base, where he’s won a pair of Gold Gloves. The Orioles, before trading him to the Dodgers at the deadline, allowed him to move back to shortstop for last season.

Machado hit .297 with 37 home runs and 107 RBI in 162 games last season. He was an All-Star for the fourth time.

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