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 C...
by Billy Sakmann, B.S. Sports Management '17