Additional reporting by Joe Soccoa for NYSportsday.com
Las Vegas- Day 1 at the Baseball Winter Meeting and two of the coveted free agents, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado as of Monday evening were still on the market. Where do they stand as to any possibility of signing a lucrative deal with the Yankees or Mets is still up in the air.
Though as of late Monday, and according to sources, the Yankees are not ruling out a late push for Machado. Sources were able to confirm with NYSportsday.com that Harper and his reps are meeting with the Phillies at some point before these meetings conclude and that has been the prevailing thought all along.
Though late Monday, the Nationals hierarchy were huddling in their suites and the emphasis was getting back into the Bryce Harper sweepstakes. It’s a guessing game, as would be assumed, and a money game. A huge money game to obtain Harper, and Yankees GM Brian Cashman has just about ruled out any discussions of Harper coming to the Bronx.
The Yankees emphasis at these meeting is a need to add a starter. J.A. Happ is more likely to be given an offer and fill out the rotation and it is an afterthought after a miserable postseason and outing against the Red Sox in the ALDS.
RUMOR Of REALMUTO TO METS: As would be the rumors come and go during these meetings. Monday night the Mets and J.T. Realmuto were connected and a part of a three-team trade that would include the Yankees and the Marlins.
The Mets are obviously on the hunt for a catcher. The Marlins seeking prospects or those one or two MLB ready and young position players. Reportedly, as has been the past few weeks, Noah Syndergaard would be a part of a blockbuster trade and go cross town to the Yankees.
But and again that is the word…but. Because there are so many obstacles to cross, Noah Syndergaard one of them, the Yankees are only exploring the possible way to get that quality starter but Haap is back in the Yankees plan.
S source was able to confirm that any move of Syndergaard would mean the Mets are only looking at Realmuto. There is this ongoing dialogue with the Mets and their attempts to come out of these meetings with a catcher.
Still in the discussion are the top catchers on the market. The Mets could be ready to make an offer with Martin Maldonado who is an upgrade over Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki.
And any thought of Noah Syndergaard in Yankees pinstripes? You can only envision the backlash that would be heard from Mets fans who are still buzzing about losing two highly touted prospects that went to Seattle last week for Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano.
Always keep in mind: Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday, “The way I look at any trade is that we want the trade to make us better. The new and aggressive Mets GM went on to say creating a hole is not possible to fill another.
In essence, Noah Syndergaard, as stated here previously, remains a New York Met. That is, unless a blockbuster of proportions to significantly better the Mets is in the works. Anything of course is possible at these meetings with exception of rumors and discussions.
Stay tuned for Day 2 on Tuesday. Both New York managers, Aaron Boone of the Yankees and Mickey Callaway of the Mets are scheduled to meet with the media. And in the background will be the latest rumors and looking for answers from Brodie Van Wagenen and Brian Cashman.
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