Report: Orioles accelerating pace of Machado trade talks

The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly sped up the pace of Manny Machado trade talks and are looking to deal their superstar shortstop sooner rather than later, major-league sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

With the Orioles in last place with the worst record in Major League Baseball, dealing Machado at the beginning of July rather than the end would theoretically garner a greater return, as prospective teams would be trying to acquire an extra month of the superstar.

However, according to the report, general manager Dan Duquette's willingness to get a deal done may not matter, as Baltimore's front office structure has become increasingly complicated in recent months. Duquette would reportedly have to run a prospective deal by Orioles vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson, as well as the ownership group run by the Angelos family.

Aside from Machado, Baltimore is aggressively trying to deal reliever Brad Brach, a rival club said. Closer Zach Britton and outfielder Adam Jones are also potential trade chips.

Rosenthal speculates that the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cleveland Indians could be willing to make a deal for Machado. Sources say the Milwaukee Brewers are doing their due diligence on the pending free agent.

The 25-year-old is having a career year at the dish, above and beyond his normal All-Star output. Machado is posting a .310/.377/.564 slash line - all career highs - with 21 home runs and four stolen bases in his return to shortstop.

That said, his defensive transition has been less favorable. After winning a pair of Gold Gloves at third base, the three-time All-Star has cost his club four runs this season at shortstop by FanGraphs' defensive metrics.