Which team is most likely to land Machado?
At the midway point of the season, despite league parity seeming to diminish, 20 or more teams would likely see value in acquiring Manny Machado. That number will only shrink as the summer drags on.
That's something Dan Duquette and the Orioles' front office are certainly aware of, as Baltimore has reportedly quickened its pursuit of a trade for its star shortstop, who's earmarked for free agency.
Unfortunately for the GM, a 20-team bidding war for a rental won't materialize. In all likelihood, there are 10 legitimate suitors. Considering the relationship of the teams, the farm systems, and, most importantly, the roster fit, here they are, ranked in order of their likelihood of winning the Machado sweepstakes:
10. New York Yankees
Not a great fit with Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, and Didi Gregorius in the infield, and the Angelos family has historically disliked dealing with the Yankees. Counting New York out always seems foolhardy, though.
9. Cleveland Indians
Despite it being a seemingly terrible fit, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted that Cleveland would be among the most motivated. If you squint, the Tribe could shift Jose Ramirez back to second base and relegate Jason Kipnis (hitting .214 this year with a .631 OPS) to a bench outfield role to fit Machado.
8. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners' farm system is probably the worst in baseball, but Jerry Dipoto's hunger for deals is seemingly insatiable. It's not a great fit, either, with Jean Segura tearing it up as the team's shortstop. Seattle converted Dee Gordon to center field, though, so who knows.
7. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals just locked up Paul DeJong, and a cheaper rental option like Mike Moustakas probably makes more sense for them. However, if St. Louis wants to squeak into the postseason in a crowded NL Central, Machado would have a greater impact, and this club has the farm system to pull it off.
6. Atlanta Braves
With the slick-fielding Dansby Swanson at short, Machado would slot back in at third, where he was a two-time Gold Glove winner. Whether Atlanta would want a rental at this point of its competitive window is unclear, but an infield of Machado, Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Freddie Freeman would be downright filthy.
5. Arizona Diamondbacks
The first-place Diamondbacks have a bit of a problem on the left side of their infield. After a hot start, Nick Ahmed has cooled off significantly, and Jake Lamb still can't figure out how to hit left-handed pitching with any regularity. They're clearly not scared of acquiring a rental (see: J.D. Martinez), and they certainly have the farm to pull it off.
4. Chicago Cubs
Earlier in the season, the Cubs seemed to be the most likely destination for Machado. Addison Russell's recent performance (.867 OPS in June) has changed the odds, though. Chicago may have the pieces to pull it off, but run creation isn't its problem of late. Finding some depth pitching to prevent runs might be near the top of the to-do list.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
Over the past few months, the Phillies have pivoted from rebuild to fringe contenders, and the tandem the club has run out at shortstop has only held them back. The now-injured J.P. Crawford has failed to live up to his prospect potential, and Scott Kingery has been replacement level. Philadelphia has the farm to pull it off, with some top-tier arms.
2. Milwaukee Brewers
The first-place Brewers have twice jettisoned starting shortstop Orlando Arcia to the minors, and have now replaced him with journeyman Brad Miller. After spending well over nine figures to remake their outfield this offseason - and creating somewhat of a logjam - Milwaukee's motivation to maintain the division's top spot could mean making a play for Machado.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
After Corey Seager went down with Tommy John surgery, the logical replacement seemed to be Machado. For the Dodgers, a world-class rental like Machado who would be gone by the time Seager returns to health seemed perfect. Now, they appear to be the most aggressive suitor as they surge toward first place, 1 1/2 games back of the Diamondbacks.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)