MLB trade rumors: Orioles’ Manny Machado’s take on latest reports | Are Cubs front-runners?

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become free agents after the 2018 season. Both could command contracts in excess of $300 million. The Yankees and Phillies are among the many teams rumored to be interested in both players, especially if there is a trade to be had before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline.

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Yes, it’s another Manny Machado update.

But this one is a bit different, because we finally hear from the Baltimore Orioles shortstop.

Both Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper are scheduled to be free agents after the 2018 season, and are in line for contracts which could be worth more than $300 million.

The Nationals are contending in the NL East, so they are not expected to shop Harper before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

The Orioles, however, are going nowhere fast. They are 15-32, good for last place in the AL East, 17.5 games behind the first-place Yankees.

So it is entirely possible Baltimore trades Machado before the deadline.

Many teams have been linked to Machado, including the Yankees and Phillies.

But what does Machado think about all the rumors that are out there?

He talked to the media in Chicago (the Cubs have been linked to Machado in multiple reports) before Monday’s 3-2 win over the White Sox (a game in which Machado hit his 15th home run of the season).

Per The Athletic:

“I’m here to play baseball. I mean, obviously we’ve gotta answer these questions, and we gotta stand in front of the camera. But at the end of the day, none of that matters, and if you don’t go out there and you don’t win some games for your ballclub, win [games] for the Orioles and play well at the same time. If I wasn’t playing well, they wouldn’t be talking about [it].”

…

“Whenever your name’s being talked about, it’s always great. I’ve heard nothing but great things for everyone, and it’s always appreciated. So just gotta, like I said, keep playing baseball, keep doing the things that I love and everything else will take care of itself.”

Cole Hamels talks trade rumors

Machado’s 15 home runs have him tied with Red Sox teammates Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez for the most in the majors. Machado and Martinez are tied for second in the American League with a .343 batting average, 22 points behind Betts’ .365 average, which is the best in baseball.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.