MLB trade rumors: Yankees won’t give up top prospects for Manny Machado?

by Felix Pantaleón

The Yankees won’t surrender any of their best prospects to the Orioles in exchange for star Manny Machado, who will be a free agent at season’s end, according to a report.

Another day, another Manny Machado–Yankees rumor.

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The Yankees are unwilling to include any of their top prospects in a deal that would land Machado, the Orioles’ star shortstop, in the Bronx, according to a report from the New York Post’s George King.

From the report:

That list includes Estevan Florial, Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Albert Abreu and Tyler Wade — not to mention rookie standouts Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar.

Also from the report:

Even if the Yankees were to include a top prospect, there are voices in and out of the organization who believe Orioles owner Peter Angelos would never include Machado, his best player, in a deal that wouldn’t help his rotation and would boost a Yankees lineup already loaded with muscle — and possibly help the Bombers win the AL East and the World Series.

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The Yankees are thought to consider adding another starting pitcher — or even two — their top priority.

Owner Hal Steinbrenner has said it’s a position of need and that the team has the money to add someone. General manager Brian Cashman has said it’s been a goal for his front office since the winter.

Still, the Yankees could look toward Machado for help if they don’t find the pitcher they want. Machado, 26, is one of the best young bats in the game and he’d be an upgrade offensively, and especially defensively, over rookie Miguel Andujar at third base. The problem: Machado has said he doesn’t want to move off shortstop, where he rates as a below-average defender. The Yankees have Didi Gregorius, a better defensive shortstop than Machado.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.