MLB trade rumors: New suitor for Orioles' Manny Machado is good news for Yankees

by Felix Pantaleón

The Baltimore Orioles are expected to trade shortstop Manny Machado before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. He and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become free agents after the 2018 MLB season and could get contracts approaching or exceeding $400 million.

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A new day brings with it a new Manny Machado rumor. And this one could have the Yankees breathing a sigh of relief.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reports the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks “have been in contact about a possible Manny Machado trade this season. Dialogue remains open between the clubs. This is viewed as due diligence on Arizona’s part as the team’s needs become clear.”

The Yankees are not considered to be a primary suitor for Machado. But there have been grumblings that the Boston Red Sox could be interested in Machado, especially if he’s willing to move back to third base.

Boston is set at shortstop with Xander Bogaerts. But the Red Sox are getting uneven production from 21-year-old Rafael Devers at third.

Whoemever trades for Machado will be getting a short-term rental, since he’s scheduled to become a free agent after the 2018 season.

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Both he and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper could be looking at free agent deals approaching $400 million, especially if deep-pocket teams like the Yankees and Phillies are interested.

Harper is struggling this season, hitting a career-low .213 (although he does lead the National League with 19 home runs).

Machado, however is having an MVP-caliber season. He’s tied for fifth in the American League with 18 home runs. Machado is third in the league with 53 RBI. He’s 12th in the AL with a .305 batting average.

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