MLB trade rumors: Orioles’ Manny Machado to the Mets?

If the Mets want to stay in the race, trading for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado could be the key. The Yankees have also been mentioned as a suitor for Machado, who will hit the free agent market after the 2018 season, along with Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.

Now this is a fun rumor.

The Mets, falling off after a ridiculous 11-1 start, need a jolt. Could Baltimore Orioles superstar Manny Machado be the answer?

ESPN’s Dave Schoenfield thinks so, with Mets shortstop Amed Rosario as the bait to bring the impending free agent to Queens this summer.

It’s time to consider that Amed Rosario might not be that good — or at least might not be ready to contribute in 2018. Rosario really needs to overhaul a swing that has a weird hitch that often leaves him making contact with his back foot off the ground. He’s hitting .230/.267/.300 and has a career strikeout-to-walk ratio in the majors of 75 to 7. Look, he’s played only 75 games and he’s just 22, and maybe the best scenario is to just let him play and learn, but he’s not helping the Mets right now.

Would you trade Rosario for Machado? Not if you think Rosario is going to be a star. But he has a lot to improve on to get there. The NL East looks like it might be wide open this year, and Machado would easily be worth three, or maybe even four, wins over Rosario over half a season. He also would provide a spark much like Yoenis Cespedes did in 2015.

Mets cutting ties with Harvey

Due to Machado’s contract running out after 2018, this would likely be nothing more than a rental for the Mets. Is that worth giving up five-plus years of control in Rosario? Considering his recent standing as one of the top prospects in the sport, it might be enough to top any other young player offered by another team in the Machado sweepstakes.

Machado enters play on May 7 with a .346/.430/.623 slash line, 9 home runs and and an OPS+ of 189.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.