The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off what might be the biggest trade before the July 31 non-waiver deadline by acquiring Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for five Minor League prospects.
In addition to the Dodgers, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies were among the teams that reportedly pursued a trade with the Orioles. Philadelphia at one point emerged as a perceived frontrunner.
While Machado is thrilled to have joined a World Series contender, any new team would have represented the end of an era. He was selected by the Orioles third overall in the 2010 Draft.
Machado went on to make his MLB debut with the team in 2012 and became a full-time player the following season.
So the trade meant a little more to the 26-year-old who had previously spent the entirety of his career with one organization. And with that, Machado wrote the city of Baltimore and Orioles organization a farewell message on Instagram:
To my Baltimore family,
I’ve spent the last few days trying to figure out how I would say goodbye but there wasn’t an easy way to do it. I first joined this organization at the age of 17 and these past eight years have far exceeded anything I ever could’ve imagined. Throughout the ups and downs, you embraced me unconditionally and you took a kid from Miami and brought me up as one of your own. I’ve enjoyed my time here and you all have played a big part in that!! Thank you Birdland! You are forever in my heart! To the Baltimore Orioles, it has truly been a blessing to put on that uniform every day.
To the Angelos Family & Dan Duquette, thank you for making my dreams come true!!! To Buck and the coaching staff, thank you for your commitment and dedication to making me the best player and teammate I can possibly be…I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of you.
To my teammates, we’ve shared some amazing times with lots of memories & friendships that I’ll cherish forever. Schoopy, I love you bro and I know you will carry the torch!!!!
Much love always,
Manny #13
Now with the Dodgers, Machado is expected to play both shortstop and third base. Prior to the start of the 2018 season he asked the Orioles to move him off the hot corner, which they obliged.
Machado made it clear he will do whatever Dodgers manager Dave Roberts asks of him, placing the sole focus on helping the team end their 30-year World Series drought.
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