Orioles GM will consider extension for Machado during offseason
The Baltimore Orioles appear ready to discuss an extension with third baseman Manny Machado.
After a Sept. 21 report claimed the organization had no intention of trading the three-time All-Star, Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said a contract extension for Machado will be under consideration during the offseason, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun.
Duquette said the Orioles - who entered Sunday at 75-86 - won't rebuild heading into next season and will instead reload, per Encina. This could mean the Orioles are serious about extending their franchise player rather than letting him hit free agency following next season.
Orioles owner Peter Angelos reportedly hadn't committed to an extension for Machado at the time of the Sept. 21 report, but Baltimore was "within $8 million or $9 million" of an extension a couple years ago, although the sides weren't especially close to a deal.
Machado is in the midst of his worst offensive season since 2014, but he's still one of the game's best players, hitting .259/.310/.473 with 33 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 33 doubles.
The 25-year-old slugger is making $11.5 million this season and is arbitration eligible in 2018 before becoming a free agent in 2019.