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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.

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Header photo: Hunter Martin/Getty Images
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