Report: Orioles could be convinced to trade Machado to Yankees

Last week, the Baltimore Orioles were reportedly unwilling to deal Manny Machado to a team that would flip the star infielder to the New York Yankees, but the right offer might change Peter Angelos' mind about dealing directly with New York.

The Orioles majority owner has historically been reluctant to make deals with the Yankees, and sending them a young, franchise player such as Machado would be particularly out of the ordinary. However, Angelos could sign off on such a deal for the right return, a source told Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun

Related - Report: Offers for Machado have improved, decision could come this week

Not only do the Yankees have one of the best farm systems in baseball, but the Orioles would have no recourse if they traded Machado to another team and that club subsequently moved him to the Bronx.

Baltimore is reportedly asking for at least two controllable starting pitchers in return for Machado.

The third baseman/shortstop is coming off one of the worst campaigns of his career and is eligible for free agency next offseason. As a 26-year-old, he could land a record-breaking contract - if fellow pending free agent Bryce Harper doesn't beat him to it.

Over six seasons, Machado has posted a .279/.329/.476 slash line while averaging 143 games per year (excluding his 2012 rookie campaign, which didn't begin until his call-up in August).

The Orioles aren't expected to retain the two-time Gold Glove winner beyond 2018, and while dealing him within the division may be suboptimal, the Yankees' stable of pitching prospects may allow them to present the best offer.