The speculation surrounding the anticipated trade of Orioles shortstop Manny Machado looks like it’s just about over.
According to sources cited by ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Baltimore has the structure of a deal in place for the All-Star infielder and are currently crossing the t’s and doting the lower case j’s which includes medicals before a deal gets done. Currently it looks like a deal will be finalized tomorrow enabling Machado to play in tonight’s All-Star game from Washington D.C.
Sources: The Orioles have structure of a deal in place, and are going through the medicals/paperwork portion of the transaction. Dodgers have been very invested in their pursuit of Machado, as have the Phillies and other teams, but this in not finished yet.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 17, 2018
As it stands, the Dodgers, Phillies and Brewers appear to be the front runners for the impending unrestricted free agent’s services at the very least through the end of the season.
Jon Heyman of Fancred tweeted today that if the Dodgers end up winning the Machado sweepstakes that a veteran could be headed the other way in the deal in an effort for LA to stay below the luxury tax.
One thing about potential dodgers Machado deal: they are determined to stay below luxury tax threshold, so they may need to balance the $. Could include high-priced vet to do it.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 17, 2018
Additionally Heyman notes that if the Dodgers pull the trigger on a deal for Machado that top prospect Yusniel Diaz could be involved which may certainly entice the Orioles who are looking towards the future and have had a high asking price for their shortstop.
Top dodgers OF prospect Yusniel Diaz could be in play in potential Machado deal. Hit 2 bombs in futures game. If so, that may be hard to beat. As said, Dodgers lead as they head toward finish line.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 17, 2018
Meanwhile the Yankees, who may be strong candidates to land Machado in free agency this offseason are believed to be out when it comes to making a deal for the Baltimore infielder. The New York Post’s Joel Sherman reported the Bombers were balking at any notion of parting with top prospects Clint Frazier or Justus Sheffield for a player who may prove to be a rental come winter.
The Phillies, who remain a leading candidate to obtain Machado before the deadline are also a team that will certainly be in player for Machado this offseason while the Brewers may be the team with the most to lose if they stand pat in a tight NL Central.
