MLB trade rumors: Why it’s unlikely Orioles deal Manny Machado to Yankees (or anyone else) before deadline

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become free agents after the 2018 MLB season. Both could receive contracts in excess of $300 million, with clubs such as the Yankees and Phillies potentially in the mix. However the Orioles might not move Machado before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline.

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The deeper we get into the MLB season, the less sense it makes for the Baltimore Orioles to hold onto shortstop Manny Machado, who will become a free agent after the 2018 season and almost assuredly will not return to Camden Yards.

At 18-41, the Orioles sit in last place in the AL East and own the worst record in baseball.

Selling off Machado before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline seems like a no-brainer.

However The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal explains why the Orioles might not be able to move Machado, despite his MVP-caliber season:

(The Orioles) would need a combination of keen scouting and shrewd negotiating to get anything close to fair value for Machado. Such a deal, though, might not be possible even under the best of circumstances, considering the increasing reluctance — no, outright fear — most teams show when asked to trade top prospects.

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The Orioles will want at least the same kind of package the New York Yankees received two years ago for closer Aroldis Chapman. But such a deal might not be available based upon the modest returns last season for the two biggest rentals, outfielder J.D. Martinez and right-hander Yu Darvish.

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(The) demand for (Machado) is not certain to be intense. He still will be owed just under $5.5 million of his $16 million salary at the deadline, putting him out of financial reach for some clubs. He also is intent on maintaining his commitment to shortstop, his original position, after returning to that spot from third base this season. The metrics show Machado is below-average at short, but a team that acquired him to play third would risk unsettling him, even if his lack of a no-trade clause would leave him powerless to stop such a move.

Position players generally are more difficult to trade at the deadline than during the off-season, when teams operate with greater flexibility. The Orioles, who did not like the offers they received for Machado over the winter, almost certainly will like the offers they receive before the deadline even less.”

What to know about Yanks’ draft picks

Machado is tied for fourth in the majors with 18 home runs this season. He’s second in the majors with 48 RBI. Machado is sixth in the American League with a .326 batting average.

When Machado hits the open market after the season, he and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper are expected to command contracts which could exceed $300 million. The Yankees and Phillies have been mentioned as potential suitors for both players.

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