The Baltimore Orioles are officially moving star third baseman Manny Machado from third base to shortstop. This means a lot more than a simple position change.
Early on in the offseason, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was a potential trade candidate. He has remained with the organization through late January and doesn’t look likely to move. That’s because the team officially announced that Machado will no longer play at the hot corner. In 2018, Machado will start as their shortstop.
After six seasons as the Orioles starting third baseman, the three-time All-Star shifts one spot to the left. He’ll swap with last summer’s surprise addition, Tim Beckham. As one of the best defensive third basemen in baseball, Machado should have no trouble with the change.
By moving Machado to shortstop, the Orioles are playing nice. Machado had interest in making the change. Knowing he is a free agent next winter, the Orioles may have bought him a ticket out of Baltimore.
A free agent shortstop is far more valuable than a nomad third baseman. If Machado can handle a full year at shortstop he opens up even more possibilities. The same way Zack Cozart was able to sign with the Los Angeles Angels this winter and take over as their third baseman, Machado can fill in at either position in 2019.
Needless to say, Machado was already lined up to receive a huge payday in free agency. Alongside Bryce Harper, the Artist Formerly Known as the Orioles Third Baseman is a rare young free agent star.
Can the Baltimore Orioles keep Manny Machado?
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To put it simply, they probably shouldn’t. This is not a team lined up to compete seriously. Before they can get back to better days, a rebuild is required.
Machado isn’t the only Baltimore Orioles free agent next winter. Adam Jones, Brad Brach, and Zach Britton are three notable players entering 2018 with one year remaining. With a lot of money already committed to Chris Davis and a barren pitching staff, it might make more sense for the Orioles to build a roster around a core of players rather than one inconsistent star.
Recent rebuilding teams like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies were already matches for Machado. This latest change to the depth chart allows others to join in on the pursuit.
If Elvis Andrus opts out of his contract, the Texas Rangers are a fit twice-over. I also wouldn’t be shocked to see the Chicago Cubs become an option.
Next: Who’s heading to Cooperstown in 2019?
Machado would be a fool to sign an extension with the Baltimore Orioles. Perhaps both sides already know he won’t finish the year with the Orioles. By moving him to shortstop now, midsummer trade options have doubled.