Manny Machado will be the most oft-discussed player in baseball from now until the point that he’s ultimately traded, and Orioles general manager Dan Duquette said for the second time this month that interest in the free-agent-to-be is greater than it was when the O’s made him available in the offseason (link via Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com).
“There are some teams that are in the market for help on the left side of the infield and some are looking for a shortstop and some are looking for a third baseman,” said Duquette. The asking price on Machado, of course, figures to be fairly steep — and the sheer volume of teams who could show interest can only help the Orioles. Kubatko notes that controllable starting pitching is a known priority for the Orioles, as is finding a potential replacement for Machado.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that, among the teams with interest in Machado, the Dodgers are perceived by some in the industry as the favorites to land Machado. Los Angeles has gone 26-10 to surge back up the ranks in the National League West, and they’ve done so without the benefit of star young shortstop Corey Seager, whose season ended back in May when he required Tommy John surgery. Machado could step into that void, of course, and provide a massive upgrade at the plate while freeing Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez to bounce around the diamond.
Per Nightengale, the O’s have placed a heavy focus on scouting the Dodgers’ minor league system. However, there are numerous other clubs at least keeping tabs on Machado, per the report, including the Phillies, the Diamondbacks and the Cardinals. There’s also industry speculation that the NL Central-leading Brewers could jump into the mix, given their aggressive offseason, an expected tight race in the division and the struggles of Orlando Arcia. And, of course, other clubs could yet emerge as potential suitors. The Angels, for instance, learned today that they’ve likely lost Zack Cozart for the rest of the year due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder that will require surgery.
One of those clubs, the Diamondbacks, has a particularly compelling case to add Machado to its ranks, as Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic explores. With A.J. Pollock and Patrick Corbin up for free agency following the season and Paul Goldschmidt only controlled through 2019, Piecoro argues that the Diamondbacks will never have a better chance to win with this core of players than they do right now. The front office has already been aggressive in acquiring Brad Boxberger, Jon Jay and Steven Souza Jr. (even if that move has yet to pay dividends), and it would indeed seem curious to take the metaphorical foot off the gas pedal now.
The Machado sweepstakes, clearly, will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow this summer and again in free agency. There’s no clear timetable for when a trade might come together, but Duquette didn’t mince words when acknowledging that his club has “declared as sellers” and suggesting that there’s a “more defined” market for Machado this time around. Nightengale does note, though, that one Orioles exec predicted that based on the manner in which the market is coming together, it’s possible that Machado could be moved before the All-Star break.
his ear has no canal thingy
FunEar Machado? Is that whatchu sayn?
is that a pun I smell?
only if you smell with your ear
Love that’s the first comment. Made me chuckle. Thanks
He makes up for the no canal thingy with a God awful hairdo.
He is having a good yEAR too…
Yeah I’d be pissed if they used that picture of me lol
He’s a mutant.
I’d really like to see him come to the desert. No better time than right here and right now.
Sammy Hagar would beg to disagree.
Sammy would agree, however, that there’s only one way… there’s only one way to rake.
He would rake in AZ especially with Goldy right behind him and both AJ and Jay in front of him. That would have to be the best 1-2-3-4 combo in all of baseball.
Arguable
The brewers need to avoid this at all cost.
The cost will be greater than the last impact rental (C C Sabathia), but maybe Machado can put them over the top. Can the Brewers sustain the prospect hit though?
No
Sabathia single-handedly brought Brews to playoffs
Doubt Machado has the same effect.
You need pitching to win championships.
Exactly, which is why the best move for the Brewers would be to go after deGrom.
Stearns has done a great job extending the Brewers window of contention past this year. He has said the Brewers are not “all in” or they would’ve been bigger players in the Free Agent SP market. I wouldn’t mind trying to get a guy like Archer who will be cheaper than he was in the offseason. This will let you still keep some prospects in the pipeline while adding a workhorse at the top of your rotation.
In theory you would much rather have Degrom then Machado but in reality it’s way more cost prohibitive. Machado will cost a top 100 overall prospect or a couple top ten from a team however, DeGrom will cost an organizations #1, #2, and pieces. Machado will bring back a player you’ve never heard of while DeGrom will bring back a Vlad Jr level prospect. When you consider the acquisition cost, Machado has better value and will generate just the same amount of wins above replacement for this season.
Machado is going to turn into a bidding war, there will be plenty of names you’ve heard of heading back to Baltimore wherever he goes.
I sure hope. It does seem more teams are interested everyday, some in same division like AZ and LA which really can help the return.
Yes, Brewers have a very deep farm and are actually at risk of losing guys because they will no longer be protected. The Brewers lack “Elite” prospects outside of Huira but I think a deal like Burnes, Ray and a low level guy could be a good starting spot. All depends if the Brewers feel like it would be a smart move going forward, especially since they will not be able to (highly, HIGHLY unlikely) resign Machado
See the brewers have a surplus of trade pieces that are mlb ready.
I mean you add Domingo Santana keon broxton Brett Phillips to a machado deal and baltimore just got a whole new outfield controlled long term.
Those 3 arent headliners by any means but you include them in a deal baltimore has the time and space to let them play and develop.
Santana and Broxton? Nobody wants those guys. Santana’s career year was last year and Broxton simply cant hit. Try again.
He was saying they could be the add on extras after the main headliners. As in the lottery tickets that round out a trade. I agree that Baltimore would be the perfect place to see if Santana can finish his development. Burnes, Woodruff, Santana and Broxton would be more than enough in my opinion. Two solid pitching prospects and two throw ins that could still develop. Phillips would be a better get for Baltimore than Broxton though.
try again, it’s gonna take more than that.
For a rental? Nope.
Makes sense as the Orioles have a lot of holes to fill after season but I can’t see them having interest in more high strikeout low obp guys. Broxton doesn’t even get to use his best asset cause he strikes out to much
Burnes, Domingo and Phillips for Machado
I wouldnt do it if I was the Brewers and the O’s probably wouldnt do it either.
Diamondbacks and Angels have no chance…they have nothing to give up for him that other teams like the Dodgers or Cardinals can give up
The Angels’ farm system is among the most improved in baseball over the past couple of seasons. It’s not elite, but it’s hardly the barren wasteland it once was.
Still doesn’t match the dodgers or cardinals. And if they don’t want to go back to the barren wasteland again then they won’t trade for Machado
doesn’t have to match them if those teams don’t make offers..
It was in the article that they are also interested…and the Dodgers have already been know to be the front runners…it was implied
They don’t have the cards or Dodgers farm system, sure. But it doesn’t have to be. They have enough to add Machado regardless of their farm system ranking.
Cardinals are always middle of the pack
Padres up there —-
La is up here —-
And well
.
.
Cardinals
Cards81 thats what people been saying about the Angels for years. they were rated 30th something but still found a way to pull trade for Andrelton Simmons, in a trade centered around Sean Newcomb (LAA top prospect)
Just Like overpaying for inter-division trades, take the whole “they have weak system so they can’t trade for X” thing as a load of crap. I’d rather have Simmons who’s a universal best SS defender, and team-friendly contract than 3 months of superstar Manny Machado.
Simmons was worth more then because club-friendly contract. Today, I think O’s would consider Simmons for Manny straight up. (Maybe Simmons plus lottery tickets)
Ok, I wouldn’t be surprised if an unknown team got him…but realistically that will not happen…baseball is following the US economy…no middle class…you either tank or go for it…rich or poor…no middle class..therefore the angles have no shot.
I think you are underestimating Machado. You put him in top 4 of AZ lineup and he immediately makes them have the best 1-4 in baseball. Also not talking about another slugging first base type, Machado offers exceptional defense at a premium position. Plus, not a lot cash owed.
Machado and exceptional defense is hilarious! The dude is one of the worst SS defensively, in the league!
I guess that really depends on how much the Red Birds are willing to offer. If the Cardinals want to use one of Flaherty, Weaver or maybe Reyes as the headliner, than sure, DBacks and Angels probably won’t be able to match it. However, if the Cardinals are going to use an O’Neill or Hudson as the headliner they can very easily be outbid by Arizona, LAA or several other teams if they decide they want Manny bad enough.
Machado to the Dodgers for Alex Verdugo, Mitchell White, Gavin Lux , and Caleb Ferguson
They’d never make this deal for a rental
If he comes to the Dodgers he’s not a rental he staying
Unless that guarantee comes with Machados signature in the form of an immediate extension, then it means nothing. Who k ow what he’ll do – you certainly don’t.
Dodgers don’t need him beyond this year. Where would he even play?
They can work it out
It has been noted that Turner was and can revert back to second base…I’m not even a dodgers fan
He can’t and he won’t . He has bad knees and was never a very good 2b. The range is very questionable, but plays at 3rd. He’s already dealing with the lingering effects of a wrist issue.
Machado isn’t coming to LA and if he is one of Kikè and or Taylor will rotate between CF and 2b. The Dodgers have one magic bullet to shoot and my best bet is it’s used on a controllable pen piece. Add to that the article was written by Nightengale. That tells you about all you need to know. No doubt the Dodgers interest will be somewhat over exaggerated as a leveraging tool. If you’ve heard an extensive rumor about the Dodgers it more so tied to them doing their due diligence rather than anything that’s bounded happen.
The only way it works out is Turner at 2B and Corey at 3B because Machado is determined to be SS. My opinion is Turner is too good at 3B to waste him up the middle. I’m sure it shows up in some weird stat or something.
I want Manny on the Dodgers, but he is a rental. Verdugo and White and one other isn’t too much.
He would shine as a Dodger too, he loves the big stage. Just one of those guys that you can tell he’s a superstar when he walks in the room. He might even be able to reign in Puig a little cause he’s a hot mess.
How is Puig a hot mess? The way people hate on him is nutso.
Dodgers could easily move Turner to 1B play Machado at 3B and play Seager at SS. Not like you want Machado at SS anyways when he’s a -18DRS SS right now.
I’d take yusniel diaz, Mitchell white, and the other 2. They can keep verdugo. Probably a whole lot more realistic.
off your rocker!
Too steep. They gave up Calhoun for Darvish. Replace with Verdugo, but add three more good prospects seems steep although Machado has more value
And the Dodgers have like 35 outfielders so makes sense to move a couple.
All of this competitive bidding might present a roadblock to Bill Simmons’ brilliant plan for the Red Sox to “steal” Machado. https://twitter.com/billsimmons/status/997137452505612288?s=12
Its obvious that the price is high, but the Orioles are losing value in him everyday they hold on to him, the only way they keep this drama going is if they think they have a shot at resigning him. Even in that scenario it would be wise to trade him now for several suspects.
Trade Machado and Chris Davis for nothing in return except that the buyer eats all of Davis’ contract. Any buyers on that deal?
No chance thats a chunk of money that can be spent on Machado as a free agent
Good Point, it’s like half the money it will cost to sign him but you get him for 8 years instead of 3 months.
That is an interesting proposal, doubt any team would take on that contract
You think half a year of Machado is worth nearly 100 million? I’ll let you draw your own conclusion.
No one is going to take on Chris Davis contract.
It pains me to say this but the White Sox are one team that could make that deal. They could absorb the remainder of Chris Davis’ contract, still offer Manny Machado a deal that would make him the highest paid player in MLB before he enters free agency and also be in no danger of approaching the luxury tax threshold in the foreseeable future.
This proposition might not be as ludicrous as it sounds either. Some rumors last winter had the White Sox as the favorite to land Machado despite the club being in rebuild mode with virtually no chance to compete in 2018. The front office was reportedly willing to deal from their group of young talent MLB talent or prospect depth just to land Machado for one season with the hope that he could be persuaded to sign an extension by becoming familiar with an organization that many feel could become an MLB powerhouse in the next few years. If the White Sox were truly interested in a gamble like that at the cost of young talent last offseason who’s to say that they might not also jump at the same chance of acquiring Machado this summer at the cost of Davis’ contract and zero talent.
In addition to hoping that they might be able to sign Machado to a Giancarlo Stanton plus type of contract before he hits FA the White Sox could also pray that Davis becomes their next Adam Dunn, just like they had hoped that Dunn was going to be their next Jim Thome. lol
I’m sorry but this makes no sense. None at all. Like not even a remote possibility.
White Sox will never trade for Machado. Never. Ever. Ever.
Interesting. As a fan I’m only ok with it if that money gets reinvested into free agency and not just to cut the payroll down. The O’s farm system is making progress and would really be bolstered with a couple nice prospects.
I would like to see Dodgers get him. Move Kiki to 2nd (Forsythe SUCKS). Put Taylor back in Center.
What would the cardinals have to give up to get him
All of their 11 world series’ and a few Ozzie Smith backflips
All 11 of their World Series’ and a couple Ozzie Smith flips
I hope they don’t, but I say 2 high-end pitching prospects (Jack Flaherty, Luke Weaver, Dakota Hudson, or Daniel Poncedeleon. They wouldn’t give up Alex Reyes or Austin Gomber) And outfielder or 2 (Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader, Oscar Mercado, or Randy Arozarena) and probably a catcher (Steve Baron, Carson Kelly, or Andrew Knizner) Too me, that’s to much give up for a guy who’s a rental that probably wouldn’t help them beat the Brewers and Cubs, and they probably wouldn’t resign him.
Cardsfan76…agree with you except no way it would cost two pitching prospects…it a rental
Orioles fan. No chance we’d steal 2 of your pitching prospects. Flagerty or Weaver are integral parts of this years rotation. Hudson I’m sure would be included, bader I’d think as well. Jordan Hicks would be the only realistic guy out of Reyes, flaherty, and Weaver that we may be able to snag. Machado will cost but not an insane amount. A package of hicks and bader would be fantastic for the orioles.
Flaherty is not going anywhere…I’m pretty sure he is valued more than Reyes at this point in time…Weaver for sure can go…include either Kelly, Gryko and an outfield prospect it should get done
I’ll say it again, how could Carson Kelly or one of your OF prospects and Jedd gyorko possibly have the same value? Gyorko would probably fetch a C+ level prospect if he went to a good team that could use him. He has to have even less value than that on the orioles.
Carson Kelly is the second best catching prospect in the minors?
That’s a knock on gyorko’s value not Carson Kelly. Kelly doesn’t fit on the O’s because we have sisco though.
Also O’s fan. Have you noticed that it seems like one more team gets involved every day? Starting to get hopeful the Os might be able to exceed expectations on a return. Which they need because I’m starting to expect less and less on the return for Britton or Brach. I just hope he keeps the hot bat up and no other teams are seeing his mediocre shortstop play.
Yup, and Wynns behind him
I like the Darvish-Calhoun baseline deal, just add a little more since Machado the better asset.
I would think Gryko to replace him…and Unfortunately Hudson…maybe an outfield/ Kelly catcher, prospect to sweeten the deal…that would be a hell of a trade for the Os
I left out Gyrko because I forgot about him, but maybe him instead of a catcher
The orioles aren’t good. We aren’t going to be good. Gyorko could certainly be included but he doesn’t carry much value for the orioles. You have to look at it from their perspective. A B level prospect is certainly more valuable than gyorko would be for Baltimore.
I disagree with you but I don’t think you realize that Gyrko is signed to a team friendly contract till 2021…that is great and the Os could easily trade him away or use him to actually compete during their rebuild..therefore I think you are definitely wrong that he doesn’t have value
He’s not exactly putting up numbers that suggest he’s a value play. Look at what the padres got for yangervis solarte. He was on a cheaper deal than gyorko and can fill in at SS in a pinch. Gyorko doesn’t have as much value as you think. Guys like Todd Frazier just signed 2/18.5. Gyorko is due 13 million next year. He doesn’t have surplus value at that price.
He’s not an everyday player and therefore his stats suck…ask any true cardinal fan and they will say he is getting screwed about playing time…Gryko was considered one of the best defensive third baseman last year considering games played…you do realize that machado is a rental? his last year numbers had him as one of the best third baseman in the league …Gryko alone is almost enough
His name’s not Gryko! It’s Gyorkoff!
Gyorko had a career year last year. He’s making 13 mil next year, he’s not cheap….at all. But that’s enough about that. You think the cardinals want to pay gyorko and Wong a combined 23 million next season?
I agree 13 mil is obviously not cheap but it was reported by Buster Onely that the Cards and Os had a deal in place during the offseason…Gyrko and two pitching prospects but the cardinals pulled out of the deal…the pitching prospects weren’t named…so obviously the Os did value Gyrko
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/05/quick-hits-machado-cards-herrera-bumgarner-yu.html
I couldn’t figure out how to spell it so I just went with the flow
Gyorko
That’s when we believed we could compete this year. Different story now. Gyorko has also hurt his stock since.
Lol they were trading machado…how does that translate into “that’s when we could compete”? Trading away machado means your not competeing…therefore Gyrko holds te same value…and he has not hurt his stock…the Cardinals are misusing him and that sucks but when he plays he does well
Is have no need for Krlly. They already have a catching prospect as good if not better than Kelly with Sisco.
hes going to the Angels
The Angels aren’t going to the playoffs so I am not sure why they would give up too much for him. The only way it would be worth it is if he signed an extension.
Stay away Angels. You have zero chance this year with all the injuries. Preserve your farm system.
I say he goes to StLouis Cardinals.
he’s worth less with every passing day!
Expensive rental , and Baltimore will want prospects, plural. Then you have to hope you can sign him before he bolts for the Yankees or Red Sox. Glad the Braves are tight wads for once.
There is no place for him on the Yankees. Cashman has stated that Andujar and Torres are untouchable. So, their infield is set with Didi, Andujar and Torres. Didi is a top 10 SS and better defensively than Machado. The Red Sox payroll is already out of control and only need Machado if they trade Devers. If they do I think they will try to sign Donaldson instead. He will cost less in length and AAV than Machado while still providing the bat they need at 3rd. I don’t think the market for Machado is going to be as deep as some are predicting it to be. Someone is definitely going to pay but I think it’s going to be a surprise team looking for a new face for the franchise. I could see the White Sox, Cardinals, or Phillies making a run at him. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Phillies trade for him at the deadline. They are a perfect fit and they will have those few days to negotiate with him exclusively after the season.
Don’t sleep on the Astros trading for Manny. Marwin Gonzalez, J.B. Bukauskas and Derek Fisher. O’s may throw in a body off their 40 man for roster balance with an unprotected prospect coming back. Astros stick Bregman in LF,
Those 3 wouldn’t get the Astros a sniff at Machado!
My full blown, Machado and OF Anthony Santander for Gonzalez, Bukauskas, Fisher and SS Freudis Nova. That’s the equivalent of 3 top 10 system prospects plus the best free agent SS available to the O’s. I live on planet earth. Your good self?
Baltimore has no bargaining power any longer. They either trade him as a rental and get peanuts in return, or wait til the off season and make him the Q.O. and get a 1st round pick. They screwed this up big time.
The team that trades for Machado isn’t going to care if he leaves or not. They are acquiring him for what he can do in 2018.
He’s going to the Lakers with Lebron and Kawhi.
Chris Archer for Machado straight up, oh wait is that enough to land Archer guys ? /s
Can’t see why the Phillies would trade for him now when they can pursue him in the offseason. Sure they certainly have the pieces to get it done easily but why waste it when we aren’t competing realistically until at least next year.
How about the Blue Jays? Donaldson is always hurt. Swap’em along with a prospect or two?
Toronto needs a lot more help than at 3B or SS
Hey Steve… I’m probably going to get crucified for this but Dan Duquette isn’t the O’s general manager —On paper—
I know, It’s random. Only reason I know is because Angelos does not like giving out that title for some reason.
Looked up his title on Cots cuz I know everyone’s going to let me have it for pointing it out lol
“Executive VP, Baseball Operations” is Dan Duquette’s title.
No disrespect intended Steve. You can keep it the same. Had to let u know. Minor semantics. Have mercy everyone 🙂
TBH think it’s cool different executives get different titles.
Was I trying to make the world’s longest poem?? LOL
My bad for the unnecessary spaces.
I think he goes to the Braves. Orioles need pitching and Braves have tons. I do like some the trade scenarios with the Cardinals though. Weaver/Flaherty, O’Neil and Kelly is enticing.
Way too much for two month rental
Me too, the Cards have a lot of young pitching that they could part with without jeopardizing their current wave of young arms.
Wherever he is traded it won’t stop him from signing in FA with the Yankees. Don’t believe it listen to Arod before you start harping.
The Yankees don’t need him. They have DiDi, Anduar and Torreyes
Spell check*
I’m going with bidding war between MILW, STL & CHC
I hope not, I see the Brewers needing him the most.
If that’s the case, cards win. Most trade chips available of three
Whether it’s the deadline or the offseason, I think that Machado ends up in St. Louis. They have the money and the motivation to land a Superstar. They’ve always made money. Now they have that billion dollar tv contract. They’re deep in young pitching. The only thing left is to improve the position players.
And for some ridiculous reason they get a supplemental pick for being a small market team.
Sorry Cardinal Fans!! Unless Michael Girsch gets his way, John Mozeliak will never be able to pull off a trade for Machado this year and even though they have the money and resources, Mozeliak would end up like he always does, second place. However, second place on Pujols and Heywood was fine!!! Although I hope I’m wrong. I think he’d look great in a Cardinal uniform!! Wishful thinking on our part.
IMHO I think Machado is the answer the cardinals are looking for…they need the middle of the order bar superstar player…the pitching is there…and the bullpen is actually looking good now…machado answers everything…Martinez, Machado, Ozuna…man oh man…so I agree they should go all in for him…he truly is a perfect fit…at 3rd though
If you’re going to dream, dream big.
There’s not a snowball’s chance in H-E-L-L Machado ends up in STL. Never will happen. They will not spend the money.
The O’s need to quit playing Manny and get this trade done before their miserable luck kicks in and he gets hurt short term or worse. Make the trade, sit him down.
It would be nice to see Manny Machado in a Cardinal uniform, even if it were for just half of a season. However, Cardinal fans know that John Mozeliak is all hot air. But…..he has a habit to infer that the Cardinals are interested in an elite player. Only to always falling just a tad short of obtaining the elite player. It has happened so many times since 2012 that it seems to be his norm, rather than a single incident.
Could the Nats be a dark horse destination?
Assuming Murphy’s knee isn’t and will not be fully healed. Nats could slide Turner to 2B.
Angelos gets along with Lerner about as much as Tom gets along with Jerry.
I didn’t think about the market rivalry.
Acquiring Jon Jay is the equivalent to calling up a AAA player. Pollock and Souza can’t come back soon enough.
Manny is headed to the Indians, Cleveland can offer a quality starting pitcher, excellent AAA prospects, Manny will sign long term, he is close friends with Lindor & Ramirez, his brother in law plays first base, and Francona will transition him back to 3rd base, where his defense belongs. Lindor, Brantley, Ramirez, Machado, Encarnacion, and Alonso, that gives them a 1-6 equal to the RedSox, Yankees, and Astros
Sounds good except they couldn’t afford Carlos Santana. Where Are they going to find the Machado money?
The Dodgers should attempt to make a deal for both Machado and Britton. After losing Seager, Machado would be a major upgrade offensively for the second half and Britton would address the need for back-end bullpen help. Both would be no more than rentals for the remainder of this season, but could be exactly what LAD needs to continue their division winning streak and make another deep postseason run.
Machado is clearly a desirable trade target for multiple teams looking to add a player of his caliber for the rest of 2018. Packaging Britton with him shouldn’t increase the asking price too much due to Britton’s injury history and struggles since returning from the DL. He could be worth the risk considering his potential upside if healthy.
Because both are rentals and one has injury/performance concerns, a couple quality controllable young arms (possibly Dennis Santana and either Jordan Sheffield or Imani Abdulllah, and possibly a lower level position player to top it off) should be enough to make this deal happen. If the Orioles are asking for much more than that, either try to acquire only one of the two, or tell the Orioles to shove it. In the recent past, Doquette tends to be delusional when it comes to the return he expects for potential trades.
DBACKS. Trade (Souza Jr., A. Avila, Shelby Miller, 2 prospects)
O”s trade ( Machado and 1 prospect)