MLB rumors: Surprise NL team stealing Manny Machado from Yankees, Phillies?

Add another contender to the impending Manny Machado free agency sweepstakes.

Get ready for a bidding war.

When the offseason arrives, two free agents will dominate conversation around the sport: Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.

Harper’s powerful left-handed swing will likely attract record offers. Machado’s versatile defense and powerful right-handed bat will do the same.

Expect teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs and Phillies to be involved for either player. Now we can add another potential suitor to the list for Machado: the St. Louis Cardinals.

Here’s what Fancred Sports MLB insider Jon Heyman thinks about the Cardinals’ chances at landing Machado.

–The Cardinals showed an interest in adding a big-time infielder last winter when they engaged in serious trade talks for both Josh Donaldson and Evan Longoria, and after getting neither player, there’s reason to believe they may still have that interest. Bob Nightengale of USA Today, in fact, reported the Cardinals even offered rising pitching star Jack Flaherty for Donaldson;

–The Cardinals are a big revenue team that’s a major hit from a business standpoint. Owner Bill Dewitt recouped 60 percent of his purchase price for the team by selling the parking garage, which is one of the most astounding deals in sports history, and Ballpark Village is a major hit in a baseball-loving town;

–The Cardinals presumably have money left over after trying to sign three big players to big-money deals; their own Albert Pujols followed by Jason Heyward and David Price.

12 things Yankees learned vs. Red Sox

Machado could be a fit at either shortstop or third base for both the Yankees or Phillies. Heyman has reported that the Yankees are the preferred destination for the infielder.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT

Tyler Nunez, a C from Lake Nona HS, is a 6'2 190lb athletic catcher who provides strength with the bat and glove. During BP, Tyler stuck with a middle of the field approach while staying on a line. He impacted the ball well with his compact and direct path, T90EV. He showed off his real athleticism behind the plate by posting a 2.04 pop time while staying around the bag on every throw. He is a good looking athletic uncommitted catcher to keep an eye on.