MLB Trade Deadline: Orioles Parting Ways With Machado

Manny Machado, shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, has his head on the trade block this July as the Orioles concede to rebuilding without star players. The Orioles currently sit 37 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and see no hope insight for seasons to come without making moves. The first step in the rebuilding process is to rid the clubhouse of superstar players who do great on a poor team and acquire new players who can spark a winning team. For Baltimore, that player to send away is Manny Machado.

Machado currently has a batting average of .313, 21 home runs, and 60 RBIs putting him among the league leaders before the all star break. So why would the Orioles want to trade away arguably their best player? Machado is a player who is skilled enough for other teams to jump at the offer, however not good enough for team morale or on the field to make the Orioles a better team.

The shortstop has also not been 100% clear of incidents on the field. In April 2017, Machado slid into Red Sox second baseman’s Dustin Pedroias knee, causing him to leave the game. In Machados next at bat, the Sox threw a pitch by his head, and tensions rose. This incident followed scuffle from the year prior where during an Orioles vs Royals game machado cleared the benches after getting hit by a pitch and charging the mound.

Nonetheless Machado can swing the bat and teams need firepower on offense, putting the Orioles in a good position to shop around for what players they want. There are currently seven teams vying for a chance to a acquire Machado with offers from the Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Brewers, and Phillies leading in that order. The Orioles have until July 31 to make a decision, and all odds point to one beneficial for the Baltimore organizations youth and longevity.