Manny Machado will likely be the most talked-about name on the trade market this summer, and it would appear that teams are already beginning to inquire with the Orioles about his services. Baltimore GM Dan Duquette confirmed to FanRag’s Jon Heyman that rival clubs have expressed interest, though he unsurprisingly declined to elaborate much.
“We don’t need to negotiate in the press, but I can tell you there are more teams interested now (than the winter),” said Duquette. “If you’re interested in making an impact, this is the player.”
Heyman does report, though, that the Phillies are among the teams that have already reached out on the superstar infielder. The Braves, he adds, have yet to inquire. Philadelphia’s interest in Machado is hardly a surprise given that president Andy MacPhail is the former head of baseball ops in the Orioles front office, while GM Matt Klentak and assistant GM Ned Rice all came up through the Baltimore front office as well.
Heyman also notes that the Orioles’ asking price on Machado is believed by other teams to be far too high at the moment. It’s common in virtually any negotiation (trade or free agent), of course, for the early asking price to be considerably loftier than the ultimate price. Heyman cites a “Phillies-connected person” in suggesting that the Orioles have sought four young players in return for their star.
Certainly, that’s a lot to ask, though any package would typically be headlined by one or two high-level talents and a few secondary pieces. As Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote yesterday (subscription link), the O’s will want a package comparable to the Aroldis Chapman return from 2016, when the Cubs sent Gleyber Torres and three lesser others — Billy McKinney, Rashad Crawford and veteran Adam Warren — to the Yankees to rent Chapman for a few months. Some have expressed skepticism about the possibility of that type of return after J.D. Martinez and Yu Darvish fetched more modest returns, though Rosenthal rightly notes that Machado would be the best position-player rental on the market in recent history.
The Cubs have already come up as an oft-speculated landing spot, though president of baseball ops Theo Epstein emphatically quashed those rumors late last month when he termed such speculation to be off in “fantasy land” and said trade negotiations to that point in the season had been “nil.” The Dodgers, too, are frequently mentioned as a possibility in the wake of Corey Seager’s Tommy John surgery, while the Diamondbacks were among the most heavily linked clubs to Machado in the offseason. Certainly, other clubs figure to join the fray as the deadline approaches, as many teams aren’t yet sure what type of trajectory they’ll plot in late July.
If a team gives multiple top 100 prospects alongside much of their top orginizational prospects for 4 months of Machado, they’re going to regret it. Machado has been historically known for being streaky, and there’s no telling what side of the hot/cold coin he will be on in those 4 months.
Macho macho man….Manny wants to be a macho man
Poetry in its purest form.
People love this guy because they like to say his name
Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey, Backyard wrestling in the summer!!!
Comedic genius folks. Enjoy him now because we may not see another of his ilk for quite some time.
“for 4 months of Machado”
That would have to happen like tomorrow. The deadline when Machado is likely to go is only two months.
Only a team with a really stupid GM/President would move major pieces for two months of any player.
I guess that’s why the Phillies are featured here. The Arrieta signing is literally the only move that has not reeked of incompetence.
Im guessing Machado gets traded by the end of June. July, August, September, and ill assume October. 4 months.
Tear them down, just to build them up guy…
I disagree, Machado is a legit game changer. It’s not bringing in a random player cause he’s having a good season, it’s bringing in a player that makes a playoff contender a world series contender. He could easily be worth 4 extra wins in 2nd half for a good team.
Exactly, he’s already been worth 2.3 to us over 2 months, if a contender gets him and goes on a run he could be worth quite a bit. I don’t trust Dan in the slightest to make a good deal here though. He’s gonna start out asking for 4 and he’s not gonna get it, and next thing you know, we’re gonna be keeping Manny and not getting anything back for him.
So Epstein is stupid. He moved Tprres )a major piece, I believe) for two months of Chapman and it helped win a World Series.
Yep theo Epstein the guy who broke both the Red Sox and Cubs curses is stupid… youre right
True. The Cubs do not win the WS without Chapman. Torres was a steep price to pay, granted, but worth it. Ask the 2017 Cubs who could have used him as they gave up a lot of late runs in the NLCS against LA.
I think he was being a bit sarcastic. Clearly Torres was somewhat expendable because of the current players they have at 2B, SS or 3B that were ahead of him and the fact that Chapman had 16 saves, a 1.01 ERA and a .0825 whip during their 2nd half stretch. He wasn’t lights out during the playoffs but he was still an important part of them winning it all and breaking the curse.
The Cubs also dealt from a position of strength with Baez, Russell, and Zobrist on the roster essentially blocking Torres. At the time he was deal, while Torres was a top prospect that was not a guarantee that he would even be an MLB regular.
Machado will be dealt, but it will be tougher for some teams if they have to sacrifice talent that they were originally counting on to be in the MLB lineup in the next few years.
Say that to Theo Epstein, who I guarantee you does not regret the Chapman trade. I think it’s a worthwhile trade if it doubles your chances of a World Series win.
I’m just not sure there’s any serious contender who would be so overwhelmingly affected by acquiring an elite bat, as the Cubs were by adding an elite closer.
If they had the prospects I’d say the Red Sox, who could use that extra push in the infield and the middle of the order, and are likely already headed to the playoffs.
Every team’s situation is different. I look at the Cubs dealing Torres for Chapman in 2016. It was the Cubs best chance to win heir first WS in 108 years. Chapman was seen as the missing piece. It worked out, but even if it hadn’t, most would’ve understood the move for what it was.
Who is this year’s Cubs? I’d say it’s probably Washington. With Lerner desperate to win a WS before he dies and Harper likely headed elsewhere this winter, 2018 might represent their best and last chance to win. And while I don’t see Baltimore trading the face of its franchise to a geographical rival, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Washington go all in on this season and offer s huge package…
Yeah, that Papelbon for Nick Pivetta deal REALLY sucked.
If a team is a legitimate World Series contender, then it makes sense to make a move for a star player that puts you over the top. You won’t regret it if you win a title, the ultimate goal.
I agree except for the Manny is “steaky” part. But, once away from BAL, he may not hit as well as he does in Camden Yards.
You never know about prospects either. Some team could give up a highly prized future “MLB fizzler” or go make a Tom Seaver for the “can’t miss” Steve Henderson-like player.
Then again, to get to the ultimate prize for a 1:30 (even with a great team) chance to win the WS, a team may “give up the farm”.
Either way, BAL needs to unload him. Even if its just to move on and start a new life apart. One player who decides what role he plays on the team is detrimental to the whole.
He can be streaky but hasn’t slowed down a bit in a while. Machado is playing great ball and is living up to the superstar hype right now. I just can’t see him being mediocre 2nd half of season or away from OPACY. It’s a lot to give up for a rental but he is one of the most surefire rentals that have been available for a while and offers a top shelf glove up the middle. If any team would have known what JD would do after he went to AZ last season teams would have given a lot more. With JD there was some injury and defense concerns.
They won’t regret it if he helps win a World Series. That’s the point.
Regret it when? 4 years down the road?
Regret it when Machado hits 220, and the team realizes they could have used all the prospects they dealt for better upgrades which would have gotten them further into the playoffs. And then regret it if the youngsters pan out and become quality major leaguers while that team is stuck in the basement with tanks by their sides.
“4 years down the road?”
The Cubs traded Gleyber Torres during their 2016 title run. Not saying that they regret it, but it took much less than four years for the Cubbies to see what they gave up.
The Champs knew what they were giving up, and they would do it all over again.
Because they and the City were hornier than hell for a WS win. If they had one say in 2012, they would not in my view have given up Torres straight up. They knew how good he was. Cashman played the game perfectly that year with the Indians and Cubs.
*won.
Your making it sound like the Yanks won that trade. The only team that won anything yet is the Cubs. Worry about your AL East first.
Well said kenster84
Relax
Both teams are happy with the results but if the Cubs had a recent WS win under their belt, I don’t believe they make the trade.
There can be two winners to a trade. However, the Yankees clearly were happy with the results from day 1. They were out of contention and traded a player months away from being a free agent. Add to the fact that they then signed Chapman months later makes them even happier.
The Champs? I thought the Astros were “The Champs?”
When he’s only 27,28.
Dbacks
I can’t understand all the rumor mongering……everybody knows he’s going to the Rays……
Yeah right…..
Yeah- the Rays haven’t spent in the past because they are secretly saving up to sign Machado for 400 million….
SHHHHH! Nobody’s supposed to know……..
Macho macho man….Manny wants to be a macho man
Machado for Addison Russell and Ian Happ is a deal I could see happening. Cubs would have a legitimate shot at resigning Manny.
No, please stop. I don’t want my favorite team to be decimated with contracts to Heyward and Machado…
Because they can’t sign him in the off-season and have both those players next season? Creating a bigger window of contention…
Stop making sense.
Does that really make sense? Sure they could sign Machado and keep Russell but what would be the point? Where would he play?
it won’t create a bigger window for contention when the Cubs have nobody locked up long-term. Rizzo is gone after next season. Contrares, Baez, Bryant will all command huge contracts if the Cubs are going to retain them. Frankly the Cubs just don’t have enough money to sign all of Rizzo, Bryant, Baez, Contrares, Hendricks, Almora, Schwarber, Happ, Russell. Cubs might as well go all in and try to win this season while all the main cogs are still there.
No clue what you’re talking about, Rizz is signed through the 2021 season. Baez is arbitration eligible through the 2021 season. Contrares arbitration eligible through 2022. Bryant arb through 2021. We have alot of time to figure it out again. 3 years to be exact on that level. No need to blow our wads on Machado if the price is not right.
Plus in 2 years, what pitching will they have? Hmmm
My bad I saw on Baseball-Reference that Rizzo was FA eligible after next year, didn’t see there were club options. The point remains that the window is open right now, and you just can’t predict the future. The Mets looked like a looming dynasty when they made the WS in 2015, but look at what’s happened to them. When the window is open you have to take advantage. The Cubs aren’t good enough right now to be a definitive top-5 team. With limited SP options they might as well upgrade in the biggest way possible.
yea happ and russell. delusional.
what’s delusional about it? Machado is an MVP candidate. He’d take Russell’s place at short, who has yet to achieve an average wRC+ metric in his career. Happ is a player who has seriously declined over the last year. His Isolated Power is way down and at this point, Zobrist is a better all-around player. Machado’s services will be in huge demand as he’s the best trade deadline rental of all time. There will be a bidding war for him.
Bidding wars at the deadline happen for TOR pitchers and premium backend bullpen arms. Most championship caliber teams already have their middle infield locked up for the second half. That is why they are considered World Series contenders. Machado will go to a fringe team with a solid farm for a decent haul. To think teams like the Astros, Yankees, or Nationals are going to get into a bidding war for a position player is wishful thinking. The Dodgers are the only team I can think of that might throw caution to the wind for him. Even that is doubtful though. Position players are just not the huge game changers in the playoffs that starting pitchers can be.
Also, if the Orioles didn’t receive very good offers for him over the winter when teams prefer to acquire position players so they have them for a full season, what makes you think they are going to suddenly sell the farm for 2 months of him? The bidding war this year will most likely be for Brad Hand and if the D-Backs fall out of contention, Patrick Corbin, Fulmer could also get quite a few teams interested but his injury history will probably turn a few teams away from the Tigers asking price.
Bruh this is an MVP candidate in the prime of his career we are talking about. How could you possibly say that Manny Machado upgrading over Addison Russell isn’t going to push the Cubs over the top? The case could easily be made that he is the top offensive SS in the game, and Russell is average offensively at best. Dodgers and Cubs both need Machado.
and nothing was said about Astros, Yankees, or Nationals, because they are set at SS and 3B. It’s the Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, and Brewers who could use an upgrade at this position. You put Manny Machado on any of those teams, they instantly become as good a contender to win their division as anyone..
Having a legitimate shot at signing him isn’t a reason to trade for him or give up extra value in a trade for him because it also means they have a legitimate shot at signing him without trading for him.
Would take more than russel and happ? Os need pitching prospects
Why do you think they have been starting Montgomery lately? It’s a tryout so he can be part of the Machado deal as a starter. I don’t see the Cubs doing a “rental” this time though. Signing him to a long term would need to be part of getting him.
Montgomery, Russell, young player for Manny.
Maybe Schwarber can get started on his AL career as DH.
That’s exactly what the Orioles need, another bat-only player. He’ll fit in well next to Davis and Trumbo
don’t lie, Davis can’t be “bay only” when he can’t hit above ..160… I’d rather see the bat boy hit in his place then see him swing again…
don’t lie, you can’t consider Davis to be “bat only” when he can’t hit above .160… I’d rather see the bat boy get some quality ABs in the lineup them see that bum in there again…
Why would the Orioles give up their best trade chip for two veterans with only 3 years left?
They’re looking for Prospects and the Cubs farm doesn’t have the upper-level prospects to compete with other clubs
Ah..Maybe because they busted on Chatwood and Yu? What other choices do they have at SP with those two bums? I also don’t think it will take all that much to get Manny. The clock is ticking everyday. The longer it ticks the reality of getting nothing for him increases.
For whoever trades four talented prospects for Machado… Anything less than a trip to the World Series would not be worth it. Hard to predict the results, but it is a lot for a rental.
The only way is a sign and trade
Which Machado would never even consider doing.
Ok cubsfan2489
It says four young players, not necessarily 4 top prospects. The Pirates got four young players for Gerrit Cole and I think there’s a few teams who wouldn’t mind giving up that kind of package for Machado.
Teams want now yes but given the 2018 class…they be dumb to give up the asking price. Only deal if it fits..
Or they win a Ship
I’m very curious if the braves will make a hard push to get him. I strict want them to pursue him in the Offseason and not via trade (if they even try). But he makes a lot of sense for the braves to go after. I can also see why we wouldn’t with cost and Riley knocking on the door
He makes sense for every single team not punting the season. If ATL think their best chance of winning a title is this year than the next 4-6 years then go for it, but it’s hard for me to believe that this is as good as this team can get. Let some other team mortgage the future and wish them the best. O’s need all the help they can get.
I hate the idea of a losing team “tanking” or “punting” in your words. If you are a 20-25 win team then Machado alone is not going to turn you into a contender.
How many 20-25 wins aren’t punting the season?
Punting infers that they have a choice as to whether they win or lose. If a team is rebuilding then by definition they are usually lacking on established major league talent. I would rather use the term “rebuilding” vs tanking.
If the Cardinals Truely want to contend for the pennant, not just the playoffs, Machado is the player to get. They have the money and resources to get him.
Cards or Dodgers
StLouis Cardinals is the best spot ,They have the talent to get him and sign him to long term deal.
And the Dodgers don’t?
I understand the first connection after Seager got injured, but I never saw a true connection with the Dodgers. They really could use a controllable starter and a backend piece to the pen or two. I just don’t see it at all they’ll probably target a SP/RP or s/and a complimentary offensive piece. The Dodgers offense is righting themselves after early struggles and that’s without an impactful Turner. His early struggles should be expected as the return from that injury takes a while to return to form. The Dodgers have the money and prospects to resign and trade, but Machadois not a pressing need nor do I think it will be. They are probably better off turning their sights to a SP with control.
IF a team trades for him, that GM should be fired. If you’re like “oh we’ll re-sign him in the offseason” why not just sign him in the offseason? Why on Earth would you use assets to acquire a player you’d just sign in the offseason? Use assets to TRADE for a guy that has multiple years left that will make your team better AND more attractive when you look to sign Machado.
Like trade for Chris Archer. That would be better than giving up prospects for a guy that will only cost money in 4 months.
Sometimes waiting until the trade deadline will cost you more due to increased competition and you could have had the guy for twice as much time if you traded for him earlier. If you think he is the key, then go for it. If you suddenly slip, then you flip him at the deadline and get some of it back.
He’s not a player to win you the series! It’s all about who has the best arms! The Yankees would be better off staying clear of him at the deadline and next year! The Yankees have to think pitching!!
Andujar is no Machado, however, his .881 OPS puts the Yanks in a position where they shouldn’t be pressed to pursue Machado for 3 months.
Give him a while and he’ll be more than good enough! Why would anyone spend $400 mill on anybody!
Phils and O’s trade…
Phils give up Nick Williams, Adam Haseley and Sixto Sanchez for Manny. Who says no first?
O’s everyday
For a rental (I know its Machado but still) you think the o’s can get more than a top 20 prospect a decent outfielder and a solid outfield prospect?
That’s not a ridiculously bad offer. We’d certainly target another young pitching prospect over Nick Williams. Don’t think there’s much value in NW, though he is the kind of high K power hitter the Orioles like.
Phillies will say no, No way they give up Sixto Sanchez for a rental. He’s gonna be the next ace coming through their system. I would just sign him in free agency if I was the phillies.
Elbow trouble at 19. Hate to see that.
The number one goal for every team is to go to and win the World Series. These star players don’t come around often so a chance to land one on your team for prospects, why wouldn’t you. Who knows what type of player you will get, most of the top prospect won’t be an elite player such as the Machedos Harpers, and trouts, that are playing now. Even if you lose in the playoffs or World Series you know you tried your best to win. If your lucky maybe after the year is over you sign him. I make sure if I traded for him and gave up prospects I resign him again no matter what.
An elite talent like Machado is going to take multiple prospects that can impact your team. Sure, they’re only prospects, but if you’re a team like ATL or PHI and on the verge of contending for the next few years, do you want to be the GM that watches your developed draftees headline your opposition possibly prolonging your rebuild? I’m all for taking the risk if you’re talking about a one-for-one (Beltran for Wheeler; Cespedes for Fulmer, etc.), but they’re going to want something substantial that some team is going to give up. Hopefully not my team.
I’m a Yankee fan I’ll give the farm for Bumgarner. That’s the piece they need to be better then the Astros and Red Sox. I’m not talking giving up our starters now andujar and Torres just straight up prospects cause the Yankees are loaded. Also I’ll take the lefty Brad Hand from the Padres lol we need lefty bullpen. Guy. Go Yankees
I appreciate Bums success but I really,really am turned off by his attitude. There’s something to be said about “culture” and I am NOT saying that Bum is a bad teammate but I DO like the clubhouse vibe that I think exists. Bum might not be the right kind of personality for NYC (like Randy Johnson wasn’t) and I think that SHOULD be factored in when they consider who to target for trade purposes. But also, the Giants are only a couple of games out of contention and unless they fade over the next 45 days and decide to try and do a quick retool (like Chapman/Yanks) then maybe. If Bum didn’t have a team option for 2019 then I think the Giants would be more likely to move him IF they had a verbal agreement to resign him after the season were over. The fact that he can be kept off the market for 2019 too makes it seem unlikely because I would assume the Giants are planing to compete in 2019 too.
LOL!
The Orioles won’t get 4 good players for Machado; they’ll end up with 3 with one elite prospect in the group. Bank on it. #Scoutseyes.
BSEYES!
It makes too much sense for the O’s to trade Machado by the deadline for solid young pitching. They’ll get some formidable offers they shouldn’t dismiss, but the fly in the ointment is Peter Angelos. Because he’ll ultimately have to sign off on any trade, I stand by my prediction that BAL will not trade Machado and will ultimately end up with only a comp pick once he departs in free agency.
It doesn’t have to be pitching. Look around the roster, who is going to be there in 2-3 years? Mancini and Sisco seem like the only locks with Hays and Mountcastle as the only potential impact minor league hitters that are close. Davis will still be around but let’s assume he still offers nothing. That leaves a lot of open slots around the diamond we need to fill. in 2-3 years we may arguably be better off in our rotation. Cobb, Bundy, maybe Gausman, Hess is an option, Hunter harvey could be an option. Some of our younger guys in the minors have flashed potential this season, We just need talent. it doesn’t matter where.
As an Orioles fan, I bet he ends up going to the Yankees as part of some three team trade. Just a hunch.
At this point the O’s best bet would be to give Machado away for nothing…as long as that team is willing to take on Chris Davis and his remaining ridiculous salary (4 more years – 92 million!). This team is going nowhere until they clear out the dead wood – which means players and front office/management.
Do you think any team in major league baseball values a single player at 92 million a half season? If you wanted to clear salary and get no return you could package him with Alex Cobb and Mark Trumbo. Or Angelos can pay the guys we have, because the team is still very profitable. Accepting anything less than the highest return for Machado would be idiotic. We won’t be good for years, and clearing salary won’t speed that up. The #1 pick will help, once we deal Machado it should be well in reach, We need to stock all the other talent we can in trades,
Take whatever package you’re putting together for Machado, and gear it towards landing James Paxton, Chris Archer, even MadBum (going nowhere, but still only 12M next year).
Having 1 of those 3 on the roster already will look pretty good to a Machado who wants to get paid AND win.
Chris archer is on pace for his third straight 4+ ERA season. He gets his K’s and he pitches in the ALE but he’s not an ace by any means. Go out and get him, he’ll make a lot of teams better but he shouldn’t draw in Machado. Machado is going to be drawn in by dollar signs anyway.
If the O’s were asking for Sixto Sanchez from the phillies then a good thing they would say no.