MLB trade rumors: Yankees, Phillies losing Orioles’ Manny Machado to Cubs?

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper are scheduled to be free agents following the 2018 season. Both players expect to receive contracts in the neighborhood of $300 million. The Yankees and Phillies have been mentioned as landing spots for both players.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will be the crown jewels of free agency following the 2018 season.

Both players are expected to command contracts which could reach or exceed $300 million.

Both players will have plenty of suitors with deep pockets, including the Yankees and Phillies.

One way for a club to gain the upper hand in negotiations? Trade for one of the soon-to-be free agents before the July 31st non-waiver deadline.

According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, that’s exactly what the Cubs could do:

The Chicago Cubs will take a look at acquiring superstar shortstop Manny Machado, sources say. Machado was speculated by FRS Sports a few weeks back as a likely candidate for the Cubs, with Addison Russell seen as part of a possible package for the Orioles, and word now is that he is the Cubs’ main target at the deadline.

The Cubs are one of nine teams to talk to the Orioles about Machado over the winter when Baltimore was fielding offers – the others were the Phillies, Cardinals, White Sox, Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Red Sox. The Dodgers might be the most logical landing spot for Machado due to the season-ending elbow injury to their star shortstop Corey Seager, but with the Dodgers in a situation where they have multiple issues in an awful, injury-wracked start, the Cubs could come to the forefront.

Updating Yankees prospects

Machado is tied for the major league lead with 13 home runs this season. He’s tied for third in the American League with a .342 batting average.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.