After weeks of speculation and an All-Star Break filled with trade rumors swirling like used hot dog wrappers at old Candlestick Park, the long-awaited Manny Machado trade has finally been made official.
In the midst of a career season, the 26-year-old has been dealt from the Baltimore Orioles to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for five prospects from the deep L.A. farm system. It appears to be a good deal for both sides -- the Dodgers get a two-month replacement for the injured Corey Seager, landing the only true superstar rental on the trade market, and the O's got some badly needed prospects for their system, including stud outfielder Yusniel Diaz.