Machado won't move back to 3rd in free agency: 'I'm playing short'
General managers who are considering pursuing Baltimore Orioles All-Star slugger Manny Machado in free agency this winter may want to ensure they have a third baseman in tow before doing so
Machado, the top name available via trade this month and one of this winter's biggest pending free agents, confirmed Wednesday that he will be entering free agency as a shortstop, and won't sign if he's being moved back to his former position of third base.
"I'm playing short," Machado told Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun. "That's the position I want to play. That's the position I know I can play and produce (at).
"... I've been a shortstop my entire life. I've played third base for a couple years. I did well, and I thought I was an elite player at that position, but at the end of the day, I've been a shortstop my entire life. I know I can be a way better player as a shortstop than I can at third."
Machado's position has been the subject of scrutiny during his entire career. Initially drafted and developed by Baltimore as a shortstop, he was only moved to third for the first time after reaching the majors in 2012. He was very quick to adapt to life at the hot corner, winning a pair of Gold Gloves at the position as well as the 2013 platinum glove as the American League's best defender at any position.
But the 25-year-old has expressed a preference for shortstop at times during his career, and the Orioles finally acquiesced by moving him back permanently this year. It's been a bit of a slow adjustment, though: after rating as one of the better defensive third basemen in 2017, Machado ranks dead last among all qualified shortstops with minus-20 defensive runs saved in 2018.
Third or short? Machado's career defensive numbers
| Pos. | Gm. | DRS | UZR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3B | 715 | 81 | 48.8 |
| SS | 135 | -18 | -7.3 |
(Statistics through Tuesday; courtesy of Fangraphs)
While Machado's clearly expressed a preference for a long-term position, it's unclear how Machado might feel about a switch for the rest of this season if he's dealt to a contender in need of a third baseman.
Teams that have been connected with Machado in trade talks at various points this season include the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta Braves.