MLB trade rumors: Orioles to deal Manny Machado during All-Star break?

by Felix Pantaleon

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is July 31, 2018 (7/31/18). Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is shopping shortstop Manny Machado, who is the American League starting lineup for the 2018 MLB All-Star Game. Machado will be a free agent after the season.

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The MLB All-Star break starts on Monday with the Home Run Derby. The All-Star Game follows on Tuesday (weather permitting). Teams will return from the All-Star break on Friday.

But Orioles shortstop Manny Machado might be packing his bags before then, according to CBS Sports MLB analyst (and former GM) Jim Bowden:

Manny Machado will represent the #Orioles in the All Star Game….but he is expected to be traded before the regular season resumes later in the week according to sources involved in the trade discussions.

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) July 16, 2018

Machado is the biggest bat available on the trade market before the July 31st non-waiver deadline. Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is motivated to move Machado because the All-Star shortstop will be a free agent after the season and is not expected to re-sign with Baltimore.

Several contenders are in play for Machado before the trade deadline, including the Yankees, Phillies, Red Sox, Dodgers and Brewers.

Yanks target Hamels or Martinez?

Machado is a four-time All-Star and will be in the American League’s starting lineup for the All-Star Game on Tuesday.

Machado is hitting .315 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI for the last-place Orioles.

He has a pair of Gold Gloves to his credit, but both of those came at third base. Both the Yankees and Boston Red Sox see Machado as a possible fit at third, even though the 26-year-old insists he is now a shortstop.

The Yankees could put Machado at third and bump rookie Miguel Andujar to first base. Or general manager Brian Cashman could flip Andujar for a starting pitcher, which is the team’s biggest and most glaring need.

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