Phillies rumors: Second-best odds to land Manny Machado at deadline
According to Jim Bowden of the Atheltic, the Phillies are the second-most likely team to trade for Manny Machado at this year’s trade deadline.
You just can’t mention Manny Machado without mentioning the Phillies nowadays. Whenever someone talks about the 2018-19 offseason, the two go together. When trade rumors encircled Machado last offseason, Philadelphia was among the teams reportedly interested.
Rumors are once again swirling around Machado for this year’s trade deadline. With the star shortstop expected to leave Baltimore this offseason, the Orioles will likely try to get something for him.
Jim Bowden of the Athletic compiled a list of all the teams who will be in the running for Machado at this year’s deadline. Unsurprisingly, the Phils were among the favorites, with Bowden giving them the second-best odds to land Machado:
More from Phillies Rumors
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Could Phillies sign 2nd former Mets starting pitcher in same offseason?
- Phillies rumor: Dansby Swanson could be club’s alternative to Trea Turner
- Rob Thomson apology hints possible Phillies blockbuster signing
- Phillies rumors: Club likely to land top shortstop on free-agent market
The Phillies have Machado at or near the top of their free-agent wish list for the offseason, so why not trade for him now? It might help them sign him come the offseason. They could start their offer with either shortstop J.P. Crawford or infielder Scott Kingery and then offer top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez. That would get the Orioles’ attention. Throw in one of their bullpen’s top young power arms, and you’re pretty close to what the final trade could look like.
Bowden is certainly correct that it would make sense to trade for Machado now. They definitely will pursue him during free agency, and trading for him will give them an early edge on negotiating a long-term contract extension.
It certainly helps that Machado is posting career-best numbers this season. He has a .343/.419/.652 slash line with 14 home runs. He leads the American League in both hits (61) and runs batted in (42). His batting average and home run total both rank third in the AL, giving him the chance to win the Triple Crown this season.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- Prospect Andrew Baker could help Phillies bullpen in 2023
- Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
- Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
However, there is no guarantee he even stays in Philadelphia after this season. Bowden mentions in his article that Machado’s agents believe he will find the best contract in free agency and it’s unlikely he will accept any extension during the season. Any team in the league that can afford Machado will certainly go after him, lessening the odds he returns.
Given that Machado may very well just be a rental, it wouldn’t make any sense for the team to dangle Sixto Sanchez in the deal. They hope he can be in the major leagues as soon as next year and make a huge impact. The team does not want to trade him, especially if the deal was only a rental.
It’s another story if a different package were to be put together, but if Baltimore has to have Sanchez, it may be a dealbreaker.
It may ultimately just be easier to wait for free agency to acquire Machado in. The club has plenty of money to spend and is expected to be among the top bidders. They can outspend someone if they have to, and that allows them to keep some of their other young talent.
Next: Phillies welcome the Atlanta Braves: 5 things
Ultimately, it depends on how things are going when the deadline comes around. If the front office truly believes acquiring Machado can make them legitimate contenders in the playoffs – and they can keep him long-term – then a trade might just happen.