Skip to main content

Is Manny Machado the Phillies Next Shortstop?

It's becoming clear Manny Machado won't be a Baltimore Oriole in 2019, and maybe not even in August 2018 after the MLB Trade Deadline.

Whether it's at the July deadline or in the free agency period, the Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to Machado for some time. The Phillies could be aggressive at both the trade deadline, due to  their potential to compete in the NL East, and in the offseason, with the financial flexibility to add another key piece.


Machado, who is playing his first full season as a shortstop in Baltimore, says he will not be returning to third base on his next team. "I've been a shortstop all my life. I played third base for a couple years" he said.

Adding Machado to the left side of the Phillies infield would be extremely valuable to the team, but it might block the progress of some prospects with potential. Maikel Franco is already a couple years along, typically manning third base. J.P Crawford, a natural shortstop, and Cesar Hernandez, second baseman, could be displaced by Machado's addition. Kingery could potentially move to the outfield. However: neither player's production in 2018 guarantees them a lineup spot in 2019.

If the Phillies add Machado at the deadline, they would become highly competitive with the Atlanta Braves in the stretch run for the NL East title. Philadelphia doesn't want to break the bank for a half-season rental though; but Machado hasn't ruled out signing an extension with a potential new team in 2018.

The Braves are also interested in trading for the star infielder.
Image result for manny machado usa today
Photo: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Otherwise, if Machado is available this winter, the Phillies will be a major suitor for his services. They will be able to offer him the starting shortstop role: something teams with established shortstops might not be as agreeable to.


Machado, who is celebrating his 27th birthday if you're reading this on July 6th, is hitting .310 with 21 HR and 59 RBI over 85 games this season. Machado would immediately become Philadelphia's most prolific shortstop since the decline and departure of Jimmy Rollins.

For more MLB stories, click here.

Be sure to follow Sak Sports Blog on Twitter!


Header photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Patriots Quickly Lose Underdog Status in Fluctuating Vegas Line

Championship Sunday gave us two wild overtime games with the winners set to meet in two weeks at Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta. On Sunday night, the Los Angeles Rams opened as slight one point favorites, which would have had Tom Brady and the New England Patriots play the underdog role once again. The line quickly shifted to a pick 'em game. This feels like the most accurate reflection of the game's odds. While the Rams finished with a better regular season schedule, Brady and the Patriots are playing in their third straight Super Bowl and it would be tough to call them true underdogs. As Monday progressed, bettors started shifting the line in favor of the Patriots, likely to reflect early bets. Many bettors probably saw taking an underdog Patriots team as an easy bet. The line could go even deeper in New England's favor, or perhaps balance out closer to a pick 'em. Realistically, the line won't favor either team by more than 1 or 2 points, making it essentia...
2 comments
Read more

Oladipo to LeBron: If You Want To Win, Come to Indy

LeBron James is a expected to make a major free agency decision for just the second time in his career this summer. While the de facto favorites so far have been the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets, other teams could still compete for LeBron's services before he make his second "Decision." While Joel Embiid has already publicly recruited LeBron, Philadelphia was already a rumored landing spot. But now, recently-crowned Most Impoved Player Victor Oladipo has thrown the Indiana Pacers name in the ring. Oladipo told TMZ Sports that James is his most highly coveted free agent acquisition for the 2018-2019 season. "If you want to win, come to Indy" the guard said, publicly addressing LeBron. While the big buzz has been around the prospects of building superteams, teaming up with Kawhi Leonard and/or Paul George, or completing the process in Philadelphia, there are other suitors that could make sense in the...
Post a Comment
Read more

Carmelo Anthony Traded to Chicago Bulls, Will Be Released

Veteran Carmelo Anthony, who appeared in a mere 10 games for the Houston Rockets and none since November 8, has been traded from the Houston Rockets to the Chicago Bulls for cash considerations. According to a league source and via Adrian Wojnarowski, Anthony will be swiftly released by the Bulls, as he was last year by the Atlanta Hawks. Anthony won't play a game for the Bulls, league source tells ESPN. He will be released and become a free agent if he clears waivers. https://t.co/Oo2IA0nsJP — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 21, 2019 This officially gives Melo the opportunity to explore free agent opportunities. I pondered potential landing spots in November, and many of the teams remain hot destinations. The short-handed Los Angeles Lakers could be particularity interested as they search for depth amidst injuries. Header photo via ESPN More Sak Sports Patriots Quickly Lose Underdog Status in Fluctuating Vegas Line Follow Sak Sports Blog on Twitter ...
Post a Comment
Read more