MLB trade rumors: Orioles' Dan Duquette slow-walking Manny Machado deal

by Felix Pantaleon

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become free agents after the 2018 season. Machado is not expected to re-sign with the Orioles so general manager Dan Duquette will look to trade Machado before the non-waiver deadline on July 31, 2018 (7/31/18).

It’s no secret that Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will become a free agent after the 2018 season.

It’s also no secret that the Orioles aren’t going anywhere this season (Baltimore has the worst record in the majors at 19-47).

And it’s no secret that Machado isn’t interested in re-signing with the Orioles.

That would make Machado a prime candidate to be moved before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

So why is Orioles general manager Dan Duquette dragging his feet in working on a deal to move Machado? Duquette sort of gave an answer to the Baltimore Sun:

He said again Tuesday that there has been significant interest in Machado, which would only be a major revelation if there wasn’t. If anything was surprising about his comments, it was that the Machado auction has not yet reached the point where Duquette is fielding specific offers.

“He’s having a great year,” Duquette said, “so I’m sure that will take care of itself in time.”

…

The Orioles have good pieces to trade and it’s about time to trade them. Machado obviously is at the top of the list and should bring in some players who fall into the category above, but it’s unclear whether the apparent lack of urgency surrounding his availability comes from inside or outside the organization.

It seems logical that the Orioles would want to move on from Manny soon, since every day reduces the amount of service he will provide to the team that acquires him. There’s also the risk of an injury keeping him off the market until after the season. In other words, the O’s need to get while the getting is good.

Yanks’ ideal lineup with Bryce Harper

Machado is having an MVP-caliber season for the last-place Orioles. He’s tied for fourth in the American League with 18 home runs, tied for second in the AL with 50 RBI, and 10th in the league with a .311 batting average.

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