Reports have surfaced that the Arizona Diamondbacks are in talks with Baltimore for Manny Machado. With an NL worst team batting average and a real chance at playoff contention, it makes sense that the Diamondbacks would chase a bat at the deadline. But what will it take to land Machado? And can the D-backs afford it?
The 2018 season has been anything but consistent for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team has oscillated between being historically good and historically bad.
After getting off to their best start in franchise history, the D-backs went into a free fall. Their shockingly lousy 8-19 record in May tied April 1998, their first month of existence, for the worst month in franchise history.
Thankfully, the nightmare of May is over, and June has seen another dramatic reversal. The D-backs are 12-5 this month and back atop the NL West. But the mighty Dodgers are surging, just 1.5 games back. The Diamondbacks can’t afford another meltdown.
The Diamondbacks offense was painfully bad in May, and while it has rebounded, it remains a weakness. The team ranks dead last in the NL with a .228 batting average.
They have five position players who get regular playing time who are hitting under .200. As the deadline approaches, the Diamondbacks area of need is clear. Last year, they added JD Martinez – that worked out pretty well.
Is Machado the answer?
Might this year’s JD Martinez be Manny Machado? The Orioles are hopeless 27.5 games out of first place, and with Machado’s contract expiring, they would be foolish to hang on to him. Jon Morosi of the MLB Network reported today that the two teams are actively discussing a deal.
"Sources: #DBacks, #Orioles have been in contact about a possible Manny Machado trade this season. Dialogue remains open between the clubs. This is viewed as due diligence on Arizona’s part as the team’s needs become clear. @MLB @MLBNetwork"
But what will Machado cost? And will he be worth it?