Baltimore Orioles ink Manny Machado to a one-year deal
The Baltimore Orioles avoided arbitration with Manny Machado, signing him to a one year deal.
The Baltimore Orioles have bought time with All-Star third basemen Manny Machado, inking him to one a year deal in the process. The 25-year-old superstar will hit the MLB free agency market in 2019, where he will no doubt use this season to increase his (already) high value.
Orioles and Manny Machado have come to terms on a $16 million deal for 2018, per source. Deal also includes incentives for awards.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 12, 2018
His 16 million dollar salary is a nice bump from of $4.5 million from 2016. Recent rumors surfaced that the Arizona Diamondbacks were in initial talks with the Orioles regarding Machado, where it’s unknown at this time if those negotiations are still in progress with these new developments.
He is expected to command a record-breaking contract when he reaches free agency and gets a nice raise from the $11.5 million he earned last season.
If you think $4.5 million is a nice jump in salary, just wait until Machado officially hits free agency, where it’s expected he will sign a “recording breaking” deal in the process. But, is Machado worth the price that he will no doubt be paid?
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Absolutely. Now, Machado’s numbers dropped a bit from his past production, but with a significant contract season approaching, expect the version that hit a robust .280 to show up and not the mark of .259 of 2017. He knows what’s at stake and he’ll surely delivery the goods this coming MLB season.
The Baltimore Orioles also dodged arbitration with pitchers Brad Bach, Tim Beckham, and Caleb Joseph, so it’s a productive day for the “Birds” to be sure. Pitching is an area that needs stability, as well as a few more OBP hitters to complement their massive power within the lineup.
Unfortunately, the Baltimore Orioles aren’t attractive enough to lock up Machado after this season, so a mid-season trade could be likely if O’s are slow out of the gate. With the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox projected for stellar seasons, it’s only a matter of time before Machado swaps jerseys.
Next: Should Scott Rolen make it to Cooperstown?
Let’s hope the Baltimore Orioles have the common sense to trade Manny Machado out of Division or it will haunt them for the next decade.