With the non-waiver trade deadline just over two weeks away, the name most are watching is Manny Machado. While the Baltimore Orioles have historically decided against selling at the deadline, there’s a growing sense they’ll part with their All-Star shortstop.
One driving force behind that expected decision is Machado is on track to join a star-studded free agency class this winter that may also include Bryce Harper and Clayton Kershaw, among others. Naturally, reported interest in Machado has run rampant.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to the 26-year-old for the better part of several months. Their reported interest picked up in recent weeks, with Los Angeles being one of the teams who were identified as a favorite to complete a trade for Machado.
But so too have the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers at various points. The Philadelphia Phillies have also entered the picture, while the Dodgers and New York Yankees are still involved, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
#Phillies have increased their offer for #Orioles’ Machado, sources tell The Athletic. #Dodgers and #Yankees remain strongest. #Brewers fading, #DBacks on periphery.
Standard caveat applies: Trade talks are fluid, and one text or call can change dynamic of discussions.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 13, 2018
The Dodgers’ need for Machado arguably increased exponentially when Corey Seager underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. To this point they’ve filled the void with Kiké Hernandez and Chris Taylor.
Complicating the Dodgers’ possibly trading for Machado is that he could amount to being a rental. Moreover, the left side of the infield is largely set with Seager and Justin Turner, even if Machado is re-signed.
Though, if Turner is to miss any extended period of time because of an abductor injury, it might further influence the Dodgers into pursuing a trade.
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