Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette is making it no secret that Manny Machado intends on exploring free agency this winter, regardless of where he lands before the deadline.
"I think any team that would be interested in Manny would do so knowing he's a rental," Duquette told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "I don't think any team would go into something like that without that reality."
Machado is in the final year of his contract, which will pay him $16 million, and will headline the loaded free-agent class that also includes Bryce Harper, Josh Donaldson, Nelson Cruz, A.J. Pollock, Andrew McCutchen, and Brian Dozier.
The Orioles fielded interest for Machado over the winter, though it's believed the asking price was high and teams weren't willing to commit to it. Despite the Orioles thin minor-league system, skipper Buck Showalter told Cafardo the club would prefer to land one premium prospect for Machado rather than a package of two or three lesser prospects.
Machado has enjoyed an excellent season thus far, hitting .306/.377/.574 with 18 home runs, 15 doubles, and 50 RBIs across 67 games. While he wants to continue to play shortstop, he has two Gold Gloves at third base and suitors may want to use him at either position.
