Yankees may sign Machado

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he has been talking about Manny Machado with the infielder’s agent.

New York shortstop Didi Gregorius is expected to miss at least half of next season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, leaving the team in search of an infielder.

“I’ve had several conversations with Dan Lozano about Manny Machado,” Cashman said Monday at the winter meetings in Las Vegas. “So we are we are definitely focused in the marketplace on those areas of need and he, obviously, is available and solves that area of need. So, not going to deny we’ve had a conversation. Or two.”

Cashman said last month that Machado, 26, would have to explain his comments that he isn’t “Johnny Hustle” and his failure to run hard on the bases, which became glaring in the postseason.

Hamilton to join Royals: The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton have agreed to a $5.25 million contract for next season that includes up to $1 million in incentives.

The 28-year-old Hamilton made his big league debut in 2013, then proceeded to have four consecutive seasons in which he stole at least 50 bases. That number dipped to 34 last season, when the switchhitting Hamilton hit .236 with four homers and 29 RBI.

The Reds ultimately did not tender Hamilton a contract.

Mariners roll the dice: The Seattle Mariners claimed Kaleb Cowart off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels and listed him as an infielder and right-handed pitcher.

A prep star on the mound and at the plate, Cowart, 26, has not pitched since the Angels drafted in the first round in 2010. He hit .134 with 10 RBI in 47 games with Los Angeles last season.