MLB trade rumors: Phillies challenge Yankees for Orioles' Manny Machado

by Felix Pantaleon

Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is looking to trade All-Star shortstop Manny Machado before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver deadline. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is interested, but the Phiadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers remain in play as well.

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The trade rumors are starting to fly when it comes to Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado. Here’s the latest from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal:

#Phillies have increased their offer for #Orioles‘ Machado, sources tell The Athletic. #Dodgers and #Yankees remain strongest. #Brewers fading, #DBacks on periphery.

Standard caveat applies: Trade talks are fluid, and one text or call can change dynamic of discussions.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 13, 2018

This has been a busy week for Machado trade rumors.

On Monday, Rosenthal reported the Yankees had renewed interest in Machado, who will be a free agent after the 2018 MLB season.

On Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reported the Boston Red Sox were kicking the tires on Machado.

On Wednesday, NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller talked to a scout, who said that Machado wouldn’t be going to Boston or New York.

On Thursday, Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported the Yankees had made a “strong” offer for Machado. But CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden said the Yankees had not offered the Orioles their top pitching prospect, Justus Sheffield. Heyman followed that up by saying the Yankees also had not offered outfielder Clint Frazier.

And the rumors will continue to fly, with the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline still two weeks away.

Imagining Yanks’ lineup with Machado

The Yankees’ interest in Machado is interesting, because New York is already set with Didi Gregorius at shortstop and rookie Miguel Andujar at third base.

Now, it’s possible Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquires Machado, trades Andujar for a starting pitcher, and moves Machado to third base, where he has won a pair of Gold Glove Awards.

But Machado has insisted all week that he’s a shortstop … period.

Machado is scheduled to be in the starting lineup at shortstop for the American League in the 2018 MLB All-Star Game. It’s Machado’s fourth All-Star nod.

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