The Yankees are at least one team who see through the smoke both Machado and Harper are blowing about wanting to be a Yankee. Here’s why.
The Yankees don’t believe it, and neither should we. Because despite what we are cajoled into thinking, it’s never about the money when free agents like Manny Machado and Bryce Harper decide which team they will sign with.
I’ll explain why money is never the deciding factor in a minute, but for now, if either or both Machado and Harper really wanted to play for the Yankees and in New York City for the next ten years, they could – if they are willing to accept the Yankees low-ball offer of $300 million.
Reportedly, the Yankees have a hot interest in Machado, mainly due to the injury to Didi Gregorius and the need to plug an immediate need in the infield, while holding a tepid “we have enough outfielders” (Cashman), interest in Harper. To their credit, the Yankees are holding firm in their decision to not engage in a bidding war with the Phillies, White Sox, and Dodgers.
The Yankees offer is out there – take it or leave it. You guys say you want to be a Yankee – here’s your chance. Smart. Very smart.
It doesn’t help much though, when Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, throws a spin out there like this one (you be the judge):
Either player can opt to take the offer of the highest bidder, even to the point where perhaps, Harper may wind up with his pre-advertised desired figure of $400 million when all is said and done.
But when a player goes that way, he is ignoring the fact he will be playing baseball in that city for the next decade, likely living in that city for most or all of each year, raising his kids there, and becoming involved with the community, not the least of which means selling tickets on behalf of his team.
Now, here’s why going for the money is not only stupid but near fraudulent when professed as an “I’m just taking care of my family” excuse not to sign with the team they supposedly love – in this case the Yankees.
Some simple math explains. We’ll begin with a few assumptions. The $300 million contracts are divided into equal payments of $30 million each year over ten years. Each year, Machado and Harper “limit” themselves to a $10 million spending budget. The balance pays taxes of $10 million, leaving the remainder of $10 million for deposit into a simple CD or savings account earning a very conservative 5% annually.
Using investor.gov as a resource, Mr. Harper or Mr. Machado investment will have grown to $16,288.946.27 after ten years, a gain of roughly six million dollars or 60% of their original investment.
But that’s not all because remember the same result will occur for the next nine years following the same formula. Meaning that by the conclusion of the contract, earnings will total roughly $60 million, plus the original investment of $100 million over ten years, assuming not of it is touched over that duration of time.
Plus, let’s not forget the endorsement rich opportunities New York City presents to anyone playing for the Yankees, let alone superstars like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and the would-be Yankees Machado and Harper.
It’s sensible to assume the Yankees would be entirely in on both Machado and Harper – on their terms. Championships have been light over the last decade, and that is not the Yankees way. The offensive machines of both players added to the already potent Yankees lineup? – and it’s likely Armageddon for the Evil Empire in major league baseball.
So, what do you think, monsieurs Machado and Harper? Stop with the bullcrap if you genuinely want to be a New York Yankee. We’ve seen what a low-ball $300 million contracts can do for you and your families. Need more? Fine, then the Yankees don’t need you.
Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all holes, or games, are created equal.
