Report: Machado telling friends he prefers Yankees

Manny Machado's free-agent tour took him to Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia this week - and the superstar has apparently decided on his first choice.

Machado told friends that he prefers the Yankees and that if his offers are close, he'll take a deal from them, according to the The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

The 26-year-old infielder met with the Yankees on Wednesday. He spoke with the decision-makers for about 90 minutes, toured Yankee Stadium, and was treated to a dinner in Manhattan, according to ESPN's Coley Harvey.

The four-time All-Star also reportedly had productive meetings with the White Sox, and Phillies, but wouldn't comment on a timetable for his decision.

"That's my agent's job," Machado said after meeting with the Phillies on Thursday. "I'm just enjoying the ride."

Machado is one of the biggest names in baseball and is expected to command a deal in the $300-million range after hitting .297/.367/.538 with 37 home runs and 107 RBIs last season.