by The Phillies look to be willing to do whatever it takes to land Baltimore Orioles superstar Manny Machado.
If the Phillies do end up with Manny Machado by Opening Day 2019, persistence (and likely a record-setting contract) will be a big reason why.
As trade rumors float around Machado and the upcoming MLB trade deadline, expect the Phillies to be involved. But it feels unlikely that a rising team will give up a significant haul for the chance to simply bring Machado in now.
Instead, the Phillies will likely wait for Machado to hit free agency before putting on the full-court press involving money, the organization and a comfortable atmosphere around a slew of front office members, coaches and players the now 25-year-old has known since he was drafted and nurtured by them in Baltimore.
Another way for the Phillies to ensure Machado takes their offer: Allow him to play the position he wants–even if it’s not best for the team moving forward.
Machado is playing shortstop this season, and could want to remain at his natural and first position moving forward. The Phillies seem to be willing to let him do that, per Jon Heyman of FRS Baseball.
The thing is, they haven’t gotten much to this point from anyone on the left side of their infield, from J.P. Crawford to Maikel Franco to Scott Kingery. The Phillies are said to be willing to appease Machado by playing him at shortstop, where he looks fine despite so-so metrics.
That take doesn’t really go along with the numbers–or eye test.
Machado looks slower and rigid at shortstop, and nothing like the dominant defender he has been at third base since arriving to the majors in 2012. According to Baseball Reference, Machado has actually cost the Orioles 11 runs at shortstop on defense this year. From 2012-2017, he saved 81 runs at third base.
But it’s Machado’s bat that will be the headliner wherever he signs and regardless of the position he plays in 2019 and beyond. Heading into play on June 15, Machado owns a .957 OPS with 18 HR and 50 RBI.
The Phillies, after signing Carlos Santana to play first base and moving Rhys Hoskins to left field, have shown a willingness to sacrifice defense for offense when it comes to a big move. Landing Machado to play shortstop, not third, would fit that mentality.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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