MLB trade rumors: Orioles taking calls on Manny Machado? Are the Yankees out? Latest list of suitors

by Felix Pantaleón

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become free agents after the 2018 season. Several ballclubs, including the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies, have been linked to the perennial All Stars. Will the Orioles trade Machado before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline?

MLB’s non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st. Between now and then, much will be written about Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado, who’s scheduled to become a free agent after the 2018 season.

Machado almost certainly will not re-sign with the Orioles, who have the worst record in the league (15-34).

That means Baltimore GM Dan Duquette needs to see what he can get for Machado on the open market.

According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, that process is under way:

The Baltimore Orioles are said to have begun fielding calls of interest in superstar shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado and word is they are close to the point of seriously weighing whether to trade him.

…

GM Dan Duquette said in this space a couple weeks back that they would wait until Memorial Day to make a determination which way to go, so it’s no surprise someone familiar with their situation said this week that it’s just “a little early” to pull the trigger on something – assuming the owner would even let them.

Heyman listed several clubs which could land Machado, including the Cubs, Braves, Phillies, and Dodgers. Heyman also said that the Indians, Cardinals and Diamondbacks would be potential fits for a Machado trade.

Not included on Heyman’s list of potential trade partners for the Orioles? The Yankees.

The Yankees are close to the luxury-tax threshold (and likely to focus on starting pitching) and the Red Sox are over it, and neither would seem to have a pressing infield need at the moment.

Former players on the Yanks’ payroll

Machado is tied for second in the majors with 15 home runs this season. He’s tied for fourth in the American League with a .328 batting average.

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