Phillies trade rumors: Dodgers land Manny Machado, Phillies left at alter
After several days of trade rumors spreading like wildfire, it appears the Phillies’ chase for Baltimore’s Manny Machado is now over.
Baseball has been enthralled with the hunt for Manny Machado and finding out which team the Orioles will trade him to. The Phillies were considered one of the favorites to land Machado, but it appears he will be heading to the west coast.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and The Athletic reported during the All-Star Game Tuesday night that Machado will be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the news earlier in the day as rumors were flying around; Rosenthal and others have backed up Nightengale’s earlier report since then.
Todd Zolekci of MLB.com said Tuesday afternoon that while Machado appeared heading to the Dodgers, Philadelphia’s front office thought they still were in the running. However, as more and more reports have come out Tuesday night, it has become clear the Phils lost out in the chase.
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During the All-Star Game, the FOX broadcast continuously implied that Machado will be heading to Los Angeles. Machado was even asked about being traded to the Dodgers before and during the game.
The key return in the deal will be Dodgers No. 3 prospect Yusniel Diaz. Philadephia was willing to give up No. 2 prospect Adonis Medina, but clearly, the Dodgers offered a better all-around return.
Acquiring Machado should push the Dodgers above the competition in the National League West and make them a powerhouse in the NL. After losing Corey Seager earlier this year, Machado is a pretty decent consolation prize.
Machado is on pace to have his best season yet with 24 home runs, 65 RBI, and a .315 batting average at the All-Star break. He has an excellent chance to surpass many of his career-highs and have his first 100 RBI season.
In seven seasons Machado has earned four All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves, and a Platinum Glove as the best defender in baseball.
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With Machado off the table, the Phils will have to look to other areas to improve their team before the trade deadline. Adding another third baseman or shortstop as well as a reliever will be crucial to making a playoff run.