The recent indication is that trade chatter on Orioles star Manny Machado has picked up of late. Of even greater note is the fact that the team evidently is interested in completing an early deal for its best player, rather than waiting until the deadline itself.
It seems, then, that there’s a real possibility of a deal coming together in the coming days — perhaps even tomorrow, on Machado’s 26th birthday — though the O’s could certainly still decide to wait if offers aren’t yet to their liking. The early movement itself is notable, as the broader market situation could be quite a bit different in a few weeks’ time.
The evident pace of negotiations does not necessarily indicate that one or another team is a favorite. Indeed, as discussed in the above link, there are still quite a few organizations — some identified, some perhaps not — that are engaged to some extent on Machado.
Let’s run through some of the top possibilities on paper (in alphabetical order) before assessing the market in a poll …
- Athletics: The A’s could stand to upgrade over Marcus Semien at short, but face a tough road to the postseason and may not be eager to pay up for a rental. There’s no indication that the Oakland org has been involved in talks to this point. It’s quite a longshot, though it warrants a mention given the on-paper fit and good play of late from the A’s.
- Braves: While the focus has long been on third base, there’s arguably a greater need at short. Johan Camargo has out-hit Dansby Swanson, after all. Regardless, an addition on the left side of the infield would deepen the overall mix. With the Braves continuing to pace the NL East, an immediate postseason push no longer seems overly hopeful at all.
- Brewers: The middle infield has been a problem all year for an otherwise strong Brewers club. While there’s an equally strong argument for pursuit of a starter, the Milwaukee organization could potentially reap huge benefits from a major upgrade at short. And every win will matter in the NL Central race.
- Cardinals: The team is loaded with useful infielders, but could still benefit by adding a star and shuffling some other roster pieces. If the St. Louis organization hopes to keep pace with its division rivals — discussed immediately above and below — it may take a bold strike.
- Cubs: This match made more sense before Addison Russell started turning things on at the plate. It’d be a bit of a surprise at this point if the Cubbies beat the market for Machado with arguably greater needs elsewhere, though they can’t be counted out for a bold move for a rental after the 2016 acquisition of Aroldis Chapman.
- Diamondbacks: Perhaps no other organization has been tied as strongly to Machado as the D-Backs, who benefited greatly last year from the mid-season addition of J.D. Martinez and are now trying to hold off rivals in a tightly-packed NL West. The offensive production from the 4 through 6 positions in Arizona has been lacking, so it’s easy to see the reason for the interest.
- Dodgers: When Corey Seager went down for the year, speculation turned immediately to the possibility of a move for Machado. But with Chris Taylor stepping in at short and blazing hot bats up and down the lineup, it’s not clear that Machado would really be the most sensible player to pursue.
- Indians: The Cleveland organization finds itself in an interesting spot with the division all but in hand but also plenty of holes that could be filled. Adding Machado to play third would mean moving Jose Ramirez to second and Jason Kipnis into the outfield mix. But Machado is not a cheap player, even for a half-season rental. And adding him would likely mean doing less to address struggles in the outfield and bullpen.
- Phillies: One of the clear favorites to land Machado as a free agent, the Phils also look like a prime destination for him in trade. The left-side combo of Scott Kingery, Maikel Franco and J.P. Crawford has been a dud in 2018. While there’s likely still hope for some of those players to shake out in the future, a move for Machado would come with the promise of huge near-term impact.
- Red Sox: While they aren’t interested in parting with or giving up on Rafael Devers, the Red Sox could still see Machado as a near-term upgrade at third. There’s no solid indication that this is a distinct possibility, but a bold strike of this ilk can’t be ruled out given the classic AL East battle that’s shaping up.
- Yankees: The same basic reasoning supports involvement from the Yankees, though frankly there’s much less cause for the New York organization to make Machado its prime deadline target. Starting pitching remains the obvious focus, but perhaps the recent injury to Gleyber Torres — which isn’t believed to be serious, but has already driven him to the DL — provides a bit of daylight to consider a strike for Machado.
So, where do you think Machado is most likely to go? (Link for app users.)
xabial
Other. He will decline QO. I’m not trying to be funny or sarcastic. I believe in the Angelos anticlimactic ending.
tonypro7
Buster Olney reported yesterday (sources were multiple GMs) that the Orioles are focused and very easy to work with (shocker…. I know). Reports are the Orioles have been aggressive, serious and professional regarding deadline trades. A deal will happen soon. With attendance declining what reason would there be to keep ANY veterans? Fans tuned this team out. To keep Manny, Britton, Brach etc would further alienate the fan base moving forward.
#Fantasygeekland
Refusing to sign international prospects also alienates the fan base. I think Machado is traded…. but this isn’t a typical owner we are talking about.
tonypro7
I agree with you. It’s sad. Makes me angry…. but there will be at least 2 trades, probably 3. Manny, Britton and Brach. I’m guessing Jones isn’t traded.
#Fantasygeekland
Same guy who didn’t even make an effort to sign Ohtani
jbigz12
What were the odds that Ohtani would sign in Baltimore? Zero. There is no way on planet Earth Ohtani would’ve came to baltimore. Much easier ways to get on Angelos’ than making something out of not going after Ohtani.
Solaris601
Despite all the speculation about acceleration of Machado trade talks I still see him remaining in BAL through the end of the season. The FO may very well be aggressively fielding offers and have the intention of trading Machado, but the man who would sign off on the deal is a certified lunatic who has rarely made a rational decision in recent years.
ln13
I was coming here to say the same thing, but I guess I’m 10 hours late to the party.
Brady, John and Louie may be hard at work, trying to make a deal, but when it comes down to it, the old man has to sign off. And we all know the old man’s history. Manny will be in an Oriole uniform until September 30. The Orioles will get nothing but a comp pick for him.
fasbal1
It seems as though the Dodgers and their willingness to make big deals would seem most logical, not to mention the fact that they could resign him where some of the other teams mentioned would definitely be a rental with no chance of signing him to return.
xabial
Agreed. If I had to pixk one ‘dark horse’ team to acquire Machado, it would be the Dodgers.
Vedder80
How would the Dodgers, the favorite according to about 90% of the National writers be a dark horse pick?
bigkempin
LA doesn’t make sense unless they view him purely as a rental. What would they do next year when Seager is back? Turner can’t play 2B anymore and Seager has never played 2B. Seager would either have to learn 2B on the fly or you put Turner there who was a trainwreck on D when he was young….
socalbum
Dodgers are VERY conservative with players rehabbing from TJ surgery and some of the throws from SS demand a strong arm. Dodgers could move Seager to 1b, Bellinger to CF, Muncy at 2b, Machado at SS, Turner 3b, and Taylor in LF. Sign Machado to an extension or give him $40MM for one season with guarantee that it will not make a QO after 2019 season
eduardoaraisa98
There is no way on Earth Manny Machado will choose to sign an extension with any team just before hitting free agency. The bidding war on him is expected to be historic and he won’t pass on that opportunity, and he also won’t sign a one year deal worth $40 million… why would he when he can get more years worth the same amount in any other team? It just doesn’t make sense unless he was absolutely in love with the team, but money talks more. Seager has been a Shortstop his whole life, he might be willing to shift to first for a couple of games for rehab, but not for the rest of his career.
RedRooster
Get help.
Vedder80
There is a huge difference between the handling of a pitcher returning from tommy John and a position player. Not even remotely close to the same type of stress on the arm.
Syndergaarden Cop
another loser homer fan. you’re a joke
MeowMeow
No matter how anyone views him, he IS purely a rental
BlueSkyLA
Funny how that works. Rentals sometimes come back to the teams that rented them, but if they do it is because the team where they finished out the season likes the player and is willing to meet his price, not because those two months gives the team some sort of signing advantage.
BTW, welcome back Karkat. Haven’t seen you around for awhile.
dugdog83
Name one star player recently who has…
eduardoaraisa98
The chances of a rental coming back are very low, specially with a super star. There are other teams out there that have been more aggressive in trade talks and have payroll flexibility. Unless Machado wants to be a Dodger, he most likely won’t be traded there or sign there
thegreatcerealfamine
“Unless Machado wants to be a Dodger, he most likely won’t be traded there or sign there” he doesn’t have a choice who he’s traded to.
andremets
Yoenis Cespedes
RedRooster
Who only signed with the Mets because they outbid everyone else which they didn’t have to trade for him to do.
RedRooster
Karkat is right. Signing him doesn’t mean he wasn’t a rental because trading for him and signing him are separate and irrelevant transactions.
eduardoaraisa98
There’s no way the Dodgers will trade for Machado because if they do they’ll go over the luxury tax, and idk if any of you know this, but the Dodgers don’t want that to happen. Otherwise they would be more aggressive. You’re either being aggressive to trade for Machado or you’re out of the race, simple as that
sureshotschmitty
Dude he’s just a rental
#Fantasygeekland
I think they’re a good fit for now. But they have Seager, Turner, muncy, Taylor, I’d bet on them re-signing kershaw
sportsjunkie24
They would have to send salary back the dodgers to stay under tax
socalbum
Or take back Forsythe’s expiring contract and another like Baez.
BlueSkyLA
I have never seen this “re-sign advantage” thing work out, have you? Free agents test the market, especially when they are unburdened from a QO. It’s what they all do. Machado will for sure.
I go with the majority vote on this one and handicap the D’Backs in the Machado sweeps. The Dodgers have the fit but they don’t have the payroll flexibility and they need the little maneuvering space they’ve got for real bullpen upgrades. OTOH the D’Backs competitive window is about to close so they are more likely to go for broke.
RedRooster
Yep. When you trade for a guy, you are trading for the amount of control he comes with. You don’t give up extra value because you think you’ll be able to retain him.
Vedder80
Mark McGwire. Jim Edmonds. Scott Rolen. McGwire literally had no desire whatsoever to play in St. Louis and would not have considered it but for the trade.
BlueSkyLA
Linkage?
PopeMarley
BS
jbigz12
To say it doesn’t come with some sort of potential advantage is just nonsense. Paul George would’ve never signed with OKC had he not been traded there. Obviously you have to be willing to pony up the dollars similar to the other team but there is some advantage to familiarity.
RedRooster
Being able to re-sign him isn’t a reason to trade for him because it also means they can sign him without trading for him first.
Anyway, Machado only really makes sense for the Dodgers as a rental. They’ll get Seager back next year.
mnsports
Please just not the Warriors
E munchy
They might be a possibility because he doesn’t want to play with Lebron either.
rocky7
Geezz Jeff Todd…..the A’s seriously? And your logic is they’re playing better lately?
How about the team from OZ…..same chance to match up!
Angelos would be really happy to see BB then turn around and trade him for a boatload of return from a team with real prospects to be had.
Jeff Todd
My logic is they are sporting a strong record — despite a dodgy postseason outlook — and could stand to upgrade at shortstop. There are lots of reasons it won’t happen, as noted. I didn’t argue for it, just gave the case and included it as an option (one of many) in the poll.
No doubt I’d be responding to someone else griping had I not included them.
#Fantasygeekland
They’re a dark horse, and he made that very clear. The playoff teams haven’t been decided yet, and they’re the next team up. It’s not unreasonable to suggest they could possibly go big with an upgrade
CCCTL
It would only be an short-term offensive upgrade, and the A’s need better starting pitching, while their offense is fine.
Semien is better defensively than Machado at SS, and Chapman’s defensive prowess makes Machado redundant at 3B.
Additionally, he’d be a rental that would not likely return in FA. He’d be a “win now” move and the A’s have no reason to do that. “But Billy Beane trades everyone” is a bad argument as the A’s have very recently rejected inquiries on Treinen, Trevino, and Canha.
justin-turner overdrive
I’m sorry, you must only look at Semien’s small sample dWAR this year, which has massively overrated him, he was directly responsible for at least 2 losses due to his unbelievably low defensive IQ/acumen in the last road trip alone. He can’t handle pressure but does have ability to homer, so Baltimore seems like a perfect fit for him. Semien and a pitching prospect or two for Machado should be the move that helps both teams.
KnicksFanCavsFan
I don’t agree with the logic of the Yanks trading for Muchado. Their 2nd basement is mildly injured so they trade for a guy who wants to be a SS, is better suited to be our 3b but we have good in-house guys at both positions? Seems like a stretch.
Jeff Todd
Debated including them, as I did with the A’s, but then I decided if I’m including the Cards — and I’d be panned if I didn’t — that I’d go ahead and throw these teams in.
I’m not stating that a mild injury is going to lead to the move. But if it starts to look like a more concerning injury and/or the depth feels suboptimal, perhaps there’s a scenario. These are the Yankees. They are in a battle for the division with the Red Sox.
I agree it feels like a stretch, but … that’s why I just threw it in the poll to let the readers assess.
arc89
Machado is not going to bring back the prospects he would have gotten in the off season. In reality only a few teams will look into trading for him. Not many teams need a SS/3B. If manny was a starting pitcher the haul would be great.
danumd87 2
There’s no reason to believe that’s the case. He’s a superstar player available for rent and teams want to win. People say the same thing. Every. Single. Year. They’ve never been right. “It’s just a rental” is the most overused phrase in sports. The fans opinion never mirrors reality.
stymeedone
They were right with JDM, Bruce and Granderson last year. No demand means little comes back. Cargo never even got moved.
Mclark
Philly philly philly!
bobtillman
To the Red Sox for Swihart….O’s might have to add in a prospect, tho………..O’s get guaranteed HOFer……
tonypro7
You’re guaranteeing HOFers huh? Lol. Well then we’ll take 2.
daved
The Cardinals are NOT getting Machado, and anyone who thinks that needs to put the crack pipe in the trash.
xabial
To be fair, They’ll probably offer a contract in excess of $200M and still finish in 2nd place.
Cardinals’ willingness to spend as a small market team should garner more respect.
You Cubs’ fan or something?
daved
No, I’m a Cards fan. This is a TRADE scenario that is being discussed, not his Free Agency. But as far as his Free Agency, Machado won’t want to come here for the same reasons Stanton and other big stars don’t want to. 1) Matheny. 2) It’s not a big market.
#Fantasygeekland
You should be a sportswriter
daved
no thanks.
Caseys.Partner
Past is prologue.
The D-Backs have to replace J.D. Martinez.
daved
What? “Past is Prologue?”
Adam6710
Educate yourself.
daved
I know what a prologue is . How is it relevant to Manny Machado?
BlueSkyLA
“What’s past is prologue” is from Shakespeare, and it means that history (past events) is the introduction (prologue) to the future.
daved
So, it has nothing to do with Manny Machado, as I expected.
BlueSkyLA
Working out the connection requires a little bit of imagination.
daved
The Dbacks can flip Jon Jay to the Orioles and anyone else that isn’t needed for the playoff push.
jay6ix
Talk around the Rogers Centre in Toronto, is Baltimore inquired about some of the Jays young players, my friend works there, i’m not sure how he’d fit there with him wanting to stay at 3rd and Donaldson there with tulo at short and that gross contract…….
gleybertorres25
He wants to stay at SS
jdgoat
The jays make no sense for Machado
Adam6710
Knowing the Orioles they’ll try to insist any trade partner takes Chris Davis.
sportsjunkie24
Davis will be an orioles for life
raykraft88
I don’t think they do, but if the Braves did get him could they work out some sort of platoon with Swanson and Camargo where Machado plays third when Swanson is at short and at Short when Camargo plays 3B. It doesn’t look like a really good move in giving the young guys at bats but Swanson has just been bad at the plate for a while now.
su-min lee
100% No Dodgers. They don’t have to trade Machado
Yanks2
I hope the Yankees keep Andujar so I can stop hearing all these rumors that Machado is going to the Yankees. We don’t need him or his drama. Yes he’s amazing but Andujar is the future for 3rd base here. I say Machado goes to Philadelphia or Los Angeles Dodgers.
PopeMarley
Yea don’t have one of the top five position players vs a barely proven prospect, totally makes sense. “We don’t need him or his drama” that is completely ridiculous and so not relevant.
danumd87 2
You mean the drama from that one time? Ok…
bigdaddyhacks
Machado/Cobb to the Mariners for Kyle Lewis/whoever.
Segura to 2B. Gordon back to CF. Manny at SS and cano is now a floater at 2b/1b/3b. Cobb benefits from safeco and gets off the titanic.
matthew102402
Or not…
#Fantasygeekland
No way lol, Alex Cobb is making $57M over 4 years. His market value is around $16ish MM over 4 years now. No way Machado covers all that negative value.
jdgoat
Nobody is taking Cobb and the m’s aren’t trading seager for three months of Machado
andremets
Seater ain’t that good anymore
andremets
Seager
cibvo12
I hope the yankees get him and let didi go
Judge Judy
Didi is top 3 SS in the majors.
thegreatcerealfamine
Your trolling of Yankees fans is getting weaker.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
No he’s not. Top 10 sure not top 5.
Correa
Lindor
Baez
Seager (when healthy)
Segura
Russell
Torres
Didi
thegreatcerealfamine
Yes he most certainly is! Just like his post yesterday saying “Sheffield is better then Happ”, and his history on Yankees articles. By the way Russell is far from a top 5 shortstop.
PopeMarley
Your credibility is totally lost with putting two Cubs in the top ten. Remove the Homer glasses pal.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Russell is very underrated. He’s easily top 5. You’re too ignorant to realize it.
thegreatcerealfamine
Killer evaluation, and thanks for the infantile insult though.
thegreatcerealfamine
*top 10
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
It’s the truth not being a homer at all. If I was I’d name Baez and Russell 1 and 2. They are both top 5 at SS. Baez is top 3 at 2nd. Top 10 at 3rd and top 20 at First if he played there more.
But rizzo is top 3 at 1st. Only goldy and Votto are ahead of him but not by much.
mdbaseball05
Trea Turner doesn’t make your top 10, but both Baez and Russell do? And you rate Baez above Seager… Yeah, no credibility at all.
mdbaseball05
Russell is not top 5. There’s a reason they’re willing to give up his years of control for half a season of Machado. You also forgot Machado in your “top 10”
Bocephus
hahaha..You should just go post about the Bears on NFL Rumors, because your knowledge of baseball is a dumpster fire…
Jack Taddy
Where in sweet molasses is Andrelton Simmons on this list?
mdbaseball05
And just for reference, the baseball writers and stats put the top 10 entering the year as follows:
1. Correa
2. Seager
3. Lindor
4. Turner
5. Simmons
6. Segura
7. DeJong
8. Andrus
9. Story
10. Beckham
The writers listed it as
1. Lindor
2. Correa
3. Seager
4. Simmons
5. Didi
6. Andrus
7. Turner
8. Bogaerts
9. Russell
10. Story
Things have changed a little now, but my point is simply that in no way are both of them top 10. And you can’t use the logic that because Baez is a top 5 2B, he’s a top 5 SS and not apply the same logic to other players like Machado.
jdgoat
Lmao Russel and Baez? And you left out Simmons
jdgoat
What’s not to love about Russel’s league average bat?
Jack Taddy
Addison Russell hits one salami and he’s a top 5 SS lol.
brewcrew08
I’m hung up on him saying Rizzo is a top 3 1B too..lol. I’ll go back to my point where Aguilar is out producing Rizzo everywhere this year. You can’t be a top 3 1B in baseball if you can out hit Jesus. Not to mention Goldy, Votto, Freeman are all for sure better than Rizzo.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Lol Turner and dejong are not top players anywhere. They might be in the top 100 but they are not better than Baez and Russell. Both Baez and Russell are better than story too. Simmons isnt better than them either. He’s top 10 but at #10 at best.
bravesandcrewfan
One of the best defenders in history with a better bat than Russell? Definitely better.
Kslaw
Is Happ ahead of Trout on your CF list too?
daved
FanGraphs Top SS for 2018, YTD.
Lindor 5.1.
Simmons 3.6
Segura 3.0.
Machado 3.0.
Turner 2.9.
Crawford 2.7.
Correa 2.4.
Boegaerts 2.4.
Didi 2.2.
Story 2.2.
Iglesias 2.0.
Russell 2.0
wiggysf
Brandon Crawford is currently the NL’s top shortstop.
daved
FanGraphs says Turner is by a slight margin. I don’t really care. I would take either of them.
justin-turner overdrive
If you go from 2016-present, Didi is 10th best SS.
If you go from 2017-present, Didi is 6th best SS
2018 alone: 11th best, but list includes Baez and Robertson, who both have not played SS as much, so one could argue Didi is 9th best.
But top 3? NOPE!!!!
therealryan
Simmons off >> Russell off
Simmons def > Russell def
Simmons off > Baez off
Simmons def >> Baez def
Simmons at SS >> Russell or Baez at SS
daved
Baez is a 2B man not a SS. But as far as offense goes, Baez is carrying a .876 OPS with 16 HR and 61 RBI. Simmons at .822 with 6/39. I wouldn’t be saying Simmons >Baez offensively. Defensively, yes.
therealryan
Simmons has a .375 OBP compared to Baez at .321. All those extra outs by Baez lead Simmons to have a 130 wRC+ vs Baez at 127 wRC+. It’s the same reason Simmons has a 130 OPS+ and Baez has a 128 OPS+.
mike156
I think there’s a reasonable possibility it just doesn’t get done. To trade Machado, Baltimore needs more than the draft pick they will get from holding on to him. I don’t see the richest teams doing it for a high prospect talent price for just the rental, unless they are compelled to by serious injury. If they actually want Machado long term, they can spend just money this offseason. And the mid-market and lower revenue teams don’t have the scratch to re-sign him, so their economic model of relying on younger/cheaper talent gets disturbed by the talent cost. There just may not be the optimal cost/benefit ratio.
Adam6710
The idea behind a rental trade– to the seller– is get more/better talent than you could get from a single compensatory pick, or at least prospects that are closer to the majors. The obvious best example is the Yankees getting 3 top prospects and a major leaguer.
I think Machado is the kind of impact player that could take a team like the Braves or D’backs from favored to win their division to being favored to win the pennant. Or transform the Phillies from WC favorites to division favorites.
I’m not sure anyone will ever get what Cashman got for Chapman again, but something better than a compensatory pick is certainly possible.
stymeedone
Chapman is no more obvious than JDM. It could be argued that JDM did more for Arizona, than Chapman did for the Cubs. The difference is that many teams wanted the scarce resource that a lefty reliever like Chapman is. Without demand, JDM and the likewise unscarce talents cost less. This is not to say that MM isn’t a future Hall of famer. It’s to say offense out of a SS is common today, so fewer teams NEED him.
socalbum
Couple of reasons why Machado to Dodgers makes sense, but at the top of the list is keeping him from joining AZ. If Dodgers are certain that he will go to any other team than AZ I do not see them in play for Machado.
Senioreditor
You are 100% correct and Seager will not be ready to play SS any time soon.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
The Dodgers aren’t going to play keep away just to play keep away. Especially to the detriment of of their team needs. Nothing in their past actions suggest they will and they have one major bullet and limited space. Heck they had so many chances to last year and they didn’t even flinch. They truly don’t need Macahado. They do need to fortify the pen. This really is due diligence and if it’s on their terms I can see the Dodgers pulling the trigger, but man Machado doesn’t matter the least bit if they can’t figure out the backend of their pen. So definitely not the Dodgers no matter where he is going to go. Especially as we’ve seen how the importance pen arms play in the playoffs.
norcalblue
I am inclined to see it this way as well BPD. I also believe that both Machado and Seager will be 3B in 3 years–if not sooner. I see AF being more interested in Bundy, Givens or Britton (if healthy).
BlueSkyLA
True, but showing interest is a more than a matter of playing keep-away it is also about making a potential deal with a division rival a bit more difficult and expensive. As for the Dodgers needing Machado, they could certainly benefit by filling the hole caused by the loss of Seagar. It would also give them more flexibility in the use of Taylor and by reference Hernandez and Muncy. Bullpen first, though. I totally agree there.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
To the Phillies for J.P. Crawford and 2 prospects.
The Phillies are for real. I can seriously see them win the east.
socalbum
Not sure about the players, but I agree the Phillies are a very strong contender for Machado.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Only going by what Ken Rosenthal said. This past week. Orioles dont budge without Crawford involved. Rosenthal knows his stuff.
BrianB
Why would the Braves trade all that for a rental lol Answer is they won’t ans shouldn’t. Camargo is fine at 3rd…we need a few good relievers and be done
inkstainedscribe
If AA wants to make a splash, try to get Manny and Britton. Include Swanson in the return package. Camargo could play SS or 3B.
I’d rather keep Swanson, but I’d also rather he develop as a hitter, and that hasn’t happened.
sportsjunkie24
Machado britton brach will all probably be gone by the end of season and jones and a few other may join them
socalbum
And don’t be surprised to see Schoop go as well, but perhaps at the Winter Meetings.
Adam6710
According to Mets management, they’re just a big slugger away from a wild card spot!
simschifan
Dodgers 100 percent
mets2424
He’s going to the cubs.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
For who they have no position spots open and no ranked prospects. Unless they get him without them trading anyone from the 25 man roster and maybe get a controllable bullpen arm too the Cubs don’t need him. Javy and Russell are better than Machado at SS. The only thing he’s better at is his power.
brewcrew08
You didn’t just say Baez and Russell are better than Machado did you……
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
On defense they are.
jdgoat
They’re both still worse shortstops.
Bocephus
Go read his other posts up top if you want an even bigger laugh.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
I only post the truth. Clearly your hate my posts because Baez and Russell are top 5 ss and 2nd.
brewcrew08
Even that’s not right..lol Machado has a .980 fielding % playing all of his games at SS this year. Baez has a .973 at 2B, .962 at SS and a solid .944 at 3B… Russell is even worse. He’s had 11 errors already in just half a season. His fielding % is .961.
ThatBallwasBryzzoed
Lol uh no. Only lindor and Correa are better than Russell. Baez is the best all around 2nd baseman in baseball. Ozzie albies is good and gonna be great but he isn’t on Baez level.
Maybe your mad because he’s not on your team. No one plays as hard as Baez. His only flaw his his swing at everything. He has cut down his SO numbers a ton.
He’s on his way to not only a huge contract extension but mvp status and being an allstar every year.
brewcrew08
Baez as a top 5 2B only you can make the argument on. There aren’t many 2B who can go 25-25 like he will this year. Russell is no where near a top 5 SS though. Give me Manny, Lindor, Correa, Seager, Simmons, Trea Turner, Segura, Bogaerts, Didi and Story over Russell any day of the week.
Bocephus
Jean Segura, Brandon Crawford, Seager, Lindor, Machado, Correa, Didi, Boegarts, Turner, Story, just to name 10 that are better then Russell. Hell I’d take Chris Taylor and Kiki everyday and twice on Sunday over Russell.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Stop using fielding % please. It’s a bad basis to an argument. They are still both better defensive SS than Machado. What fielding % doesn’t tell you is that Machado lacks the range to get to balls that Baez and Russell can. Blah blah blah, I’d take a guy that makes a couple more errors with better range than one that that has a slightly better fielding %. I’m a Dodgers fan to boot. If you’re buying Machado at SS your buying his bat and you’re ok with his defensive deficiencies at SS . He’s a very terrific 3b defender probably the 2nd best defender, but bump him over to SS and his lack of range is apparent.
jdgoat
Why are you possibly arguing this? About 10 people have already told you how wrong you are. And youre not even saying anything to back it up. Simmons is undoubtedly the better defender and has a better bat. But somehow Russell>Simmons? My god this is such an awful take.
brewcrew08
How can you not look at fielding %. Baez has had 9 errors in 90 games at 3B in his career and 22 errors at 2B in 245 career games. That’s not good at all even if he “does have more range”. For Russell I don’t care how great his range is. MLB level SS should not have 37 errors over less than 2 full seasons.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
It’s pretty easy to never look at fielding %. It’s not even a scouting tool at the higher level. In the age of guys playing multiple position you expect guys to make errors especially if it’s more so a tertiary position in which they really haven’t seen extended time at the position. You can legitimately watch guys gain a greater feel and become more routine as they get comfortable in those position. But I digress on that portion of the discussion.
You can’t teach range. It’s a pretty basic idea. The more range you have the more balls you get to the more errors you are going to make. No one is looking at Machado’s .968 career fielding % and saying he’s not an elite 3b. Nobody was arguing Machado wasn’t an elite 3b last year, because he was tied for 4th in errors. Fielding % and looking at errors is just simply flawed. Generally you can’t make an error or take away a base hit if you can’t get to a baseball. Advanced metrics and the eye test have Machado as a below average SS. He doesn’t have the range. If you’re trading for him at the TDL you’re doing so, because of his bat and you can live with him defensively.
simschifan
They need pitching help. Not Machado
Dennid
Indians might surprise everyone. The thinking is with Miller and Allen likely gone after this year, this year is their best shot but Astros, Yankees and Red Sox are favored. It’s not giving up their future when they are close. Why not take the chance? Might also get Britton.
#Fantasygeekland
They’re losing them, but that also takes $20M off the books. No reason this should prevent them from contention in the future. It won’t take much more than 20M combined annually to extend them
Dennid
I agree. I meant with the current group. There will be changes but they should contend for the several years.
WouldSettleForWildcard
Hey! We Braves fans respectfully ask that you go easy on bitter truths like, “Johan Camargo has out-hit Dansby Swanson.” Experts like you (who insist on backing up your arguments with actual facts and statistics) are making it hard to sustain our Atlanta-based World Series pipe dream!
stevewpants
From a Brewer fan perspective i say go for it if you can get Gausman along with machado. The prospects will be better if the o’s pair him with a SP and trade with a team that needs both.
Jack Taddy
The Brewers have like 7 SPs that are as good/better than Gausman. They need an ACE.
DRod35
We might have another JD Martínez situation. Machado goes the AZ in trade and then the Phillies sign him as a FA
geauxbraves
The Braves have other needs to deal with first. If the bullpen can’t get anybody out then it wouldn’t matter if they traded for Harper, Trout, Stanton and Judge.
bravesandcrewfan
Those guys wouldn’t be my targets lol but I absolutely get your point. Judge and trout maybe, but harper and Stanton have looked way worse than trout and judge this year.
CardsNation5
As perfect as the fit would be, I don’t see the Cardinals getting Machado. Mo never make bold moves. He’s all about his over hyped prospects and finding trash heap free agents who’s glory days were 5 years before he signed them.
kbarr888
Spot on.
If Mo pulls off a trade for Machado…..I’ll need an ambulance and a mini-fridge for my hospital room…!!!
If he pulls it off…..
Hopefully he doesn’t trade Alex Reyes for Machado
chound
I’d like to see him land with the DBacks. Would be cool if they could resign him though. But my favorite for both situations is Phills. They are landing a big FA bat anyway, may as well get him early.
RedRooster
Why would the Phils give up prospects on top of that when in 4 months tbey can sign him for just money?
Bocephus
To compete this season.
stymeedone
And the prospect cost will likely be less than you think.
bleacherbum
The A’s are the sleeper team for Machado to me. Machado to Oakland for Marcus Semien, Grant Holmes, Dalton Sawyer and Wyatt Marks.
An replacement at SS in Semien, plus 3 interesting arms that Baltimore could start their rebuild with.
justin-turner overdrive
Agree with Oakland being the sleeper with a package of Semien + 2 or 3 pitching prospects. Holmes has been hurt all year so I doubt he has much value. Machado gives the A’s better bat, defense and baseball IQ than Semien, the A’s definitely need him.
Think the A’s need SPs and RPs too though. Bartolo needs to come back. Zach Britton might be a decent throw in with the Machado deal. Beane needs to not sit on his hands here now the team seems to be gelling, with only SS, LF, and pitching needed.
rocky7
So your logic for the A’s trade is trade 3 prospect arms, then in the next sentence you say but the A’s need SP and RP?
Beane would only make this trade in order to flip Machado to another team for a boatload of a haul….come on guys…that’s his MO…..constantly breaking down a team.
I’d hate to be any A’s fan…..destined for mediocrity as long as Beane is in town.
bleacherbum
Yup. I’m a Padre fan and the A’s just cleaned us up the last couple days and looked really dominant doing it. Add Machado to that team batting in front of Matt Olson and Khris Davis and behind of a legitimate MVP candidate thus far in Jed Lowrie and they get that much more Dangerous.
Barretto takes over SS anyway on opening day next year so putting Semien in the package doesn’t do long term damage if Machado decides to sign elsewhere in free agency.
Zach Wheeler and Tyson Ross make sense as well Oakland, neither will cost overwhelming prospects in return and can help Manaea keep Oakland on Seattle’s heels for that first Wild Card spot.
brewcrew08
The Padres are 14 games under .500. Beating them soundly isn’t exactly tough work.. The A’s trading for Machado will do nothing to help their playoff chances this year and then machado is gone. Oakland has no shot at catching Houston or Seattle and not to mention NY and BOS. Those 4 teams will be in the palyoffs (2 division winners and 2 WC). No reason for OAK to sell any future assets.
rocky7
bleacherbum….you must think that Oakland has the prospects to attract in any kind of trade. And, you must think the O”s will take scraps for Machado even knowing that he’s most probably a rental….but a valuable one that can put a contender over the top….their not selling short with this guy.
Do Matt Olson and Chris “strikeout” Davis strike fear into opposing pitching staffs or was it just the Padre staff? And Jed Lowrie for MVP?????
You must be kidding!
jdgoat
Why would Oakland give up assets for a guy they’ll lose. They aren’t the same caliber as the M’s or Red Sox/Yanks who will take u other two wild cards.
RedRooster
BB seems to think they can outkick the Mariners for the 2nd Wild Card spot. If that were true trading for Machado would make plenty of sense. I agree tho that this isn’t the year for Oakland. Manaea basically is their rotation at this point.
hammertime510
Semien, Barreto, Graveman for Machado
Puk, Armenteros and Mateo for Syndergaard
You would have the makings of a WS team if that would happen.
Cubbie Steve
D’backs, Dodgers, and Cardinals seem to make the most sense. Maybe the Phillies, but that’s a hard decision.
Teams that seem like an easy no: Brewers, Indians, Athletics, Braves. The Braves are similar to the Phillies in that they seem to be about a year or two ahead of schedule. I think they’d rather wait til closer to the deadline to solidify their status, but recent indications are that Baltimore wants to move Machado sooner rather than later. Not sure it makes sense for either team to cash in valuable chips at this point in time for a rental. It’s really the same with the Brewers and Indians, but the difference between them and the Braves & Phillies is that the Braves & Phillies are bigger markets (not that the Braves are that bigger).
The Yankees…unless Angelos dies soon, there won’t be a trade to the Yankees, so enough said. Not sure if that would apply to the Red Sox as well, however. And if the Yankees are that hated, maybe a trade to the Sox happen out of spite?
Not sure what apparent needs the author thinks the Cubs have—at least ones that could actually be addressed (would be hard to upgrade the rotation with all the new $$$; plus Smyly should be starting his rehab soon).
The Cardinals are cautious. Seem to lack confidence of taking a risk, as if they know they can’t compete with the Cubs, so I don’t necessarily see them making a move. But they have lots of depth & always seem to unload pitching prospects that they’ve identified as duds.
A bidding war between the D’backs & Dodgers could be fun, though I’m not sure Arizona really has the enticing parts, let alone can match a Dodgers offer. That said, I’d think if the Dodgers really wanted Machado, they would have been going after him a bit earlier in the season.
I’m not a fan of paying a premium for a rental player, but some team will. Maybe you hope it is your team, but I won’t be cheering for it to be mine…
Bryzzo2016
This notion that trading for him now paves the way to re sign him this winter is ludicrous. He’s set to sign the largest FA contract in the history of the game, perhaps only Harper… MIGHT top it. Zero chance he doesn’t hit the open market.
During these Cubs rumors, when Manny and Almora talked about being best friends and “dreaming of playing together someday as kids”, doesn’t mean he’d sign an extension IF even traded to the Cubs. Sure, they MIGHT have an inside track, but they’d still have to match or come damn close to matching the highest bid. Harper and Bryant are besties, doesn’t mean he’s gonna leave 100 mil on the table to give the Cubs a discount, it’s just silly to think that.
This is not a smart trade for the Cubs, with Baez and Russell, they have the best defensive middle infield in the game (if you look at DRS) Baez will be an All Star this year, Russell was already an All Star and both are locked up on team friendly deals for years to come. It makes no sense to overpay for Machado. It would be a rental. Yes, a clear offensive upgrade, but also a clear defensive downgrade. This team already leads the league in Runs/per game and that’s without their best player, due back this weekend BTW. Again, it’s not smart for the Cubs to get in this bidding war.
Personally, I think the Brewers are the best fit. They have an unbalanced line up. Too many one dimensional corner INF/OF but automatic outs at SS/2B. They don’t typically attract top free agents, I think they’ve made the playoffs like twice in 30+ years. They should do what they did with the CC trade, which I believe was the last time they made the playoffs. They rode CC like a rented mule and he couldn’t wait to get out of town and sign elsewhere BUT they gave their fans a rare playoff berth.
The Dodgers would be my second guess, but Friedman would have to get really creative, like he did in the Kemp deal. It’s my understanding from living here, the local media has made it very clear that Friedman wants to avoid the luxury tax this year at all costs so he can reset the tax penalty.
brewcrew08
Baez has 3 years of arbitration then is a FA. Those 3 ARB years will not be cheap so he is not on a ‘team friendly’ deal whatsoever. Russell has 3 more years of ARB as well. So saying they are on team friendly deals can’t be more off. The better they play the more expensive they will be. The Brewers have too many one dimensional corner INF/OF? Who? Thames, Jesus, Braun and Shaw are really the only 4 guys you can make that argument about. I didn’t realize having 4 corner guys was too much… But you are the one who continues to argue Russell as elite so I shouldn’t expect much.
Bryzzo2016
Nope, never said Russell was “elite”, you have me confused with someone else, a different poster perhaps. Russell is an “elite” defender, on virtually all metrics, but he is an average bat in spite of his hot streak the last few weeks or so, but overall…. definitely not elite. As far as him and Baez under team friendly deals, OF COURSE they are especially for a major market team like the Cubs. Do you know what they would cost if they were free agents next year? Especially Baez? So, yeah, I’ll gladly take ponying up for some arb years.
As far as too many CORNERS and weak up the middle, it’s a honest assessment. The line up is unbalanced when you essentially have 3 straight automatic outs in the line up (SS, 2B, P) Probably why one game they put up 10 then the next get shut out. Shaw, Aguilar, Braun, Thames. How can you play all 4 at the same time? Shaw is adequate at 3rd, probably best suited as a 1B. Thames is best at 1B, Aguilar can only play 1B and Braun is average at this point at 1B or LF defensively. So, that’s 3 positions for 4 guys. You’re not benching Yelich in RF, Cain (when healthy) is everyday in CF. Unless you plan on going back to the AL and getting a DH, it doesn’t work when all healthy, meanwhile, at SS and 2B, you have essentially automatic outs. Again, why I think Machado would be the best fit.
I realize the Brewers also need SP, an ace would be nice if you are serious about going to the playoffs, WHICH YOU SHOULD BE, I mean how many times have the Brewers even played post season baseball in the last 30 years or so? Once? Twice? So, yeah, I’d be all in to finally hold off the Cubs or at least secure a WC spot. I think the fans really need it. Just my opinion.
yanks02026
Dream world be for the Yankees to make a move for Machado and out him at 3rd. And then trade Andujar and others to the Mets for Degrom. But as I said just a dream and none of this would happen. Plus not really sure I’d want to move Andujar
Bryzzo2016
I think the Yanks are in the same boat as the Dodgers, desperately trying to stay under the luxury tax this year so they can reset the penalty. Also, Machado has made it very clear that he wants to play SS. Finally, as w/ Degrom, the O’s would make the Yankees pay much more in terms of the return, for dealing Machado within the division. Even more so for DeGrom, I don’t have to tell you how irate the Mets fanbase would be to see DeGrom in Yankee pinstripes, the Mets front office is obviously aware of that. Cole Hamels seems like a more realistic target for the Yanks, and I don’t think that lineup needs ANY help.
Bocephus
Trade for deGrom and ride it out till the winter to sign Machado…also dream sequence
stymeedone
If they trade for Manny, how would they still have Andujar to trade for DeGrom? Is it because Torres was sent to Baltimore for MM? Angelos will want top dollar from Yanks even if no one else is bidding.
madmc44
A Devers for Machado deal could happen. Machado and JD would be a lethal middle.
The Yanks and Sox have pitching as do the Stros and Indians. The A’s added to the mix would be some battle in the AL If Thornberg can revert to old form the Sox Pen looks formidable.
Machado a Sox———————-real long shot
Bryzzo2016
I think the best “fit” would be Milwaukee. But after whiffing on Quintana last year at the deadline and still looking for SP and perhaps a C, I don’t see the Brewers front office stepping up and getting it done. So, my prediction is the D Backs.
Richard K
Two things against Machado No 1 the value teams now place in prospects No 2 The position as a whole if contending teams are going to trade away prospects it will be most likely for pitching. Baltimore dropped the ball and even if one doe’s not like to admit the game has changed even for trades etc. This years free agent market was just the beginning as there are a lot of young talent up and coming and those by future drafts as well. The Astros are the new bullet point on rebuilds and a lion share is done via the draft. high end flooding of expensive free agents are a thing of the past unless the players association can lobby for a change as now it is about getting more for less that is the trend.
Begamin
I see the best fit for him at Philly, Milwaukee, or Arizona. I just put a flyer down on Philly getting him in the poll.
BAL shouldve traded both him and Schoop last year.
Dodgerblog
The Dodgers have a glaring hole at second base. Taylor to second Machado to SS
Palehose23
I say DBacks Phillies or Brewers for the Trade
And Free Agency… I say Phillies or White Sox
Bryzzo2016
White Sox?!? Really? They never sign top free agents unless they’re 100 miles past their prime (Griffey Jr, Thome, etc….) They’re also one of the worst teams in baseball, their “prospects” are just that… prospects, “lottery tickets” as Olney and Verducci have said.
Many have tried what the Astros and Cubs have accomplished, few actually succeed. Manny will have plenty of suitors, why not sign with a legit contender (Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs) or a team that’s clearly on the come (Atlanta, maybe Philly) and get the same money with a legit shot at a ring.
Even IF the Sox prospects turn to gold, that’s a big if, they’re still a few years away. I don’t see any reason for him to sign there, even IF JR loosens the purse strings. Keep in mind, they may be in a major market, but the Cubs absolutely own that city. Attendance, ratings, merchandising, etc… so JR tends to operate like a mid/small market team. I don’t see any chance of them landing a 300+ mil free agent, really any FA over 100 mil would even surprise me.
Ray Garner
As an O’s fan in PA who knows for a fact that the O’s can’t keep him, I’m hoping the Phillies pick him up. That would definitely be the next best place to see him for me.