Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB Free Agency: The top 30 free agents for 2018-2019

By David Hill

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the fans at Nationals Park after the game against the Miami Marlins was called due to rain. The players returned to the field to throw t-shirts and collectables after the final home game of the 2018 season. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 26: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) waves to the fans at Nationals Park after the game against the Miami Marlins was called due to rain. The players returned to the field to throw t-shirts and collectables after the final home game of the 2018 season. (Photo by Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

2. Manny Machado

There is no questioning Manny Machado’s talent. There are, however, plenty of other questions regarding the talented infielder.

Already considered one of the top free agents heading into the 2018 season, his production did nothing to change the perception that he would be a game breaking acquisition. He was part of a pennant race last year, sent to the Dodgers at the trade deadline when the team needed an upgrade at short.

Despite that move west, Machado’s production did not waver. He produced what may have been his best season in 2018, with a .297/.367/.538 batting line, along with 37 homers and 35 doubles. He even chipped in 14 bases, his highest total since 2015. Although he struggled defensively at short, he showed that Gold Glove form at third, which may prove to be his future.

The problem with Machado comes back to when he is not in the batter’s box. He has admitted to not always hustling, which is not going to win Machado any favors in the court of public opinion. He has also developed a reputation as a dirty player, from sliding late into Dustin Pedroia on a force out to stepping on Jesus Aguilar and Steve Pearce to his antics when he started two brawls against Oakland by throwing his bat and attacking Josh Donaldson after a tag. Yes, there is some recency bias, especially given his actions in the playoffs, but Machado’s track record of being hot-headed is not exactly helping his cause.

Manny Machado is going to receive a hefty sum, a potential record breaking deal. But he may have hurt himself as well with his actions.

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