MLB trade rumors: Dodgers leapfrog Phillies in Orioles' Manny Machado sweepstakes?

by Felix Pantaleón

Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is looking to trade All-Star shortstop Manny Machado before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. The Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as the front-runners for the 26-year-old Machado.

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Hold everything! The Manny Machado trade rumors have taken an interesting turn on Tuesday morning,:

Breaking; The Dodgers appear to be the leading contender for superstar Manny Machado as talks head toward the finish line. The situation is fluid and brewers and phillies may still have an outside chance. Barring turnabout, deal should be done this week. Story comin on @Fancred

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 17, 2018

Momentum had been building for a deal to send Machado to the Philadelphia Phillies, with one report saying a trade was “very close.”

That report also said the Yankees appear to be fading in the Machado sweepstakes.

Machado would be an interesting fit for the Yankees. He would most likely be asked to play third base, where he won two Gold Gloves.

General manager Brian Cashman would then have to look at moving rookie Miguel Andujar to first base. Or he could flip Andujar for a starting pitcher, which is the team’s biggest need.

Even if the Phillies don’t get Machado before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, expect them to be a player when the 26-year-old hits free agency after the season.

Yankees report cards

Both the Phillies and Yankees are expected to make runs at Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who are the crown jewels of the upcoming free agency class.

That the Phillies are even in the running for Machado before the trade deadline is a testament to how quickly the club turned things around. The Phillies hit the All-Star break with a half-game lead over the Atlanta Braves in the National League East.

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