MLB rumors are rumbling that the Baltimore Orioles are considering trading their star third baseman, Manny Machado.
The Baltimore Orioles are off to an awful 6-18 start, with the Boston Red Sox running away with the division already, and the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees creating separation from the pack also. MLB rumors are already surfacing that the Baltimore Orioles need to unload Manny Machado and get what they can for him now.
According to Ryan Fagan at SportingNews.com, these MLB rumors may come to fruition sooner than later.
Orioles currently are given a 0.2 percent chance to make the postseason. Sure, it’s only April. And, sure, crazier things have happened. But the Orioles have pushed off inevitability for quite a while now.
If that news wasn’t dire enough for Baltimore Orioles fans, wait, there’s more.
Machado, who could command a free-agent contract above $300 million, isn’t playing for the Orioles next season. That’s a foregone conclusion. The Orioles shouldn’t wait until the July 31 non-waiver deadline to aggressively shop Machado
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that Manny Machado is likely going where the money leads, but this confirms more of our suspicions.
If the Baltimore Orioles are wise, they need to trade Manny Machado while his value is still high. Thus far, the third baseman is off to a stellar start and is projected to be an MVP candidate when it’s all said and done in October.
Manny Machado is slashing .360/.447/.708 with an OPS of 1.154, eight home runs, 17 RBI, and a solid glove at the hot-corner — showing no signs of slowing down.
Imagine would he could do on a contending team, with even more plate protections. Yeah, the possibilities are endless.
Me and all other O's fans when there's another round of Manny Machado trade rumors pic.twitter.com/uA0J2wMKus
On the flipside, Baltimore Orioles fans want nothing of these MLB rumors, not in the slightest.
MLB rumors: The most likely locations for Manny Machado 2018 destination.
Every MLB team would love to be in the running for this MLB superstar, but what are some realistic possibilities for a landing spot during the 2018 season?
According to Fagan here’s the shortlist of teams who have the highest probability of landing Manny Machado.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Atlanta Braves
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
New York Yankees
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
The New York Yankees are a curious case since they play in the same division as the Baltimore Orioles — with the price likely higher for the Bronx Bombers. There’s no in-division discount here, like the New York Yankees received with the Miami Marlins for Giancarlo Stanton — not a divisional one, but a “favor” from Derek Jeter (allegedly).
The team down the street, the New York Mets are not serious contenders to land Manny Machado so that we won’t waste your time more with them.
The Chicago White Sox are an unlikely destination also, especially with the squad spending their high first round pick on the fan favorite Jake Burger. Even though the Missouri State Bears alum is recovering from a season-ending injury, he and the team are optimistic that he’s the third baseman of the future for the Southsiders.
MLB rumors: The real contenders for Manny Machado
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquisition of JD Martinez during the stretch run in 2017 paid substantial dividends, but the red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers were too much for them. The same may ring true in 2018, with Manny Machado giving them a shot in the arm like JD Martinez did nearly one season ago.
The Atlanta Braves are serious contenders, both for Manny Machado and in the NL East, having a legitimate shot at landing this wanted man. Fagan also states that the Atlanta Braves have the money to spend, and if they stay in contention, may give the Baltimore Orioles an offer they can not refuse.
A team with the same mojo and resources to work with are the Philadelphia Phillies — thanks again to Fagan for his hard work with acquiring this information. Their hot start and call up of Ronald Acuna Jr. show that they want to contend and do so now.
Manny Machado would be the piece that would create separation between them and the Atlanta Braves and vice versa.
It would also bring them closer to surpassing the New York Mets and staying on the same level as the NL East favorite Washington Nationals.
Our Call to the Pen predictions for Manny Machado’s 2018 trade destination? Drum roll, please… The Atlanta Braves. No way are the Baltimore Orioles keeping the slugger in the AL East, or American League for that matter. Plus, the Atlanta Braves are ready to contend now and have the money to do so.
How about you? What are your ideas for Manny Machado trade destinations for 2018? Or, will these MLB rumors not come to fruition and will he wait in until the 2019 MLB free agency period to make a move?
