MLB trade rumors: Orioles’ Manny Machado to contender with deep pockets? No, it’s not the Yankees

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will become free agents after the 2018 season. They each could get a contract worth more than $300 million. The Phillies are expected to make a push for both players, and might make a run at Machado before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline.

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The Baltimore Orioles will take the field Friday against the Blue Jays with a 19-42 record, good for last place in the AL East and the worst record in the majors.

So it would seem it’s only a matter of time before the Orioles get serious about moving shortstop Manny Machado before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline.

Machado is having an MVP-caliber season for the Orioles. He’s fourth in the American League with 18 home runs. Machado is second in the league with 50 RBI. He is seventh in the AL with a .322 batting average.

Machado will become a free agent after the 2018 season and is expected to leave Baltimore in his rear-view mirror.

According to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman, one NL playoff contender with deep pockets is reaching out to the Orioles on Machado:

The Phillies love Machado and have indeed reached out, and seem like a favorite over others (and could be part of an NL East battle; more on that below). One Phillies-connected person suggested the Orioles are asking for four young players, and that at present, the price is “too steep.”

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It isn’t known exactly what the Orioles are seeking from the Phillies for Machado, but one source said the price is too high considering there’s no guarantee they’d be able to keep Machado – though, of course, it must be noted that it’s not uncommon for contending teams to believe initial asking prices are unrealistic.

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Sources say the Phillies are planning to be big players for Machado as a free agent, and sources say they have plenty of money to spend, as their revenues still far outstrip their expenses even after the free agent signings of former Machado teammate Jake Arrieta and Carlos Santana over the winter.

“It isn’t a matter of whether we have the money. The question is, ‘Will they come?'” one Phillies person said.

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The Phillies are doing better than anyone expected this season. They are 32-28, just three games behind the Braves and Nationals, who are tied for first place in the NL East. Philadephia is expected to make a push for both Machado and Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, who also hits the open market after the season.

Both players could command contracts north of $300 million.

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