One MLB executive told The Post’s George A. King III on Tuesday that Orioles owner Peter Angelos would never trade Manny Machado to the Yankees. Maybe the Yankees won’t need him to.
The Athletic reported early Thursday the White Sox have become an aggressive suitor for Machado’s services — with an interesting twist. If the White Sox can’t sign Machado to a long-term contract extension — he’s a free agent after the 2018 season — they would look to flip the 25-year-old star elsewhere. And the most obvious third party would be the Yankees.
Machado is 10th among MLB hitters in wins above replacement over the past three seasons. He could sign one of the richest free-agent contracts in league history. The Orioles reportedly have spoken to teams about a potential Machado deal, and The Athletic names elite White Sox pitching prospects Lucas Giolito and Michael Kopech as potential anchors for a package to obtain him.
So if he does end up with the White Sox, that doesn’t mean the Yankees’ dream of adding him to a lineup that already includes Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez is dead.