The Baltimore Orioles were taking offers for star Manny Machado for the past week, but after not receiving any that enticed them, they are reportedly choosing to keep Machado for the start of the 2018 season. However, they still plan to look into trading him before the deadline, and he'll have plenty of suitors as a free agent this summer. So, which teams are the most likely to acquire him? Here are the top five:
5) New York Yankees
For a few days, it looked like Machado to the Yankees was a done deal. They still have the willingness and ability to give him a massive contract, but the Orioles have already said they won't trade him to New York - or to a team that will flip him to the Yankees later - because they don't want to give that boost to a division rival. That's why they're fifth on this list, but if he hits free agency, you know they'll go after him hard.
4) Chicago White Sox
Chicago was also in the mix to trade for Machado but wanted to get a long-term commitment from him, which he was unwilling to give them at the time. So Chicago has interest, and if they can offer Machado a huge deal in free agency, they'd be a real player in the race to land him.
MLB Fans - Download Chat Sports on iPhone today for breaking news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports iPhone App
3) St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals tried to get Stanton but failed, leading us to believe they could try to splurge for Machado as well. They have the farm system to complete a deal if they are willing to spend. They desperately need more power, which Machado would provide, and give them a legitimate superstar they have been looking for since they let Albert Pujols leave in free agency.
2) San Francisco Giants
The Giants do need another power bat and they could use another star after their sellout streak finally ended this summer. San Francisco has shown a willingness to spend and the Giants tried to acquire Stanton before he vetoed the trade. The one thing that could torpedo a deal, however, is the Giants' iffy farm system.
1) Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have money to burn right now and they'll spend it eventually. Using it on a star like Machado in a trade is a very possible outcome. Philadelphia can absorb the contract, but does Machado want to be the centerpiece for a team of hope that hasn't proven they can contend? How much does Machado, even at his current level, improve a 66-96 Phillies team? Still, Philadelphia is committed to improving and will seemingly pay Machado whatever he asks.
Check out our MLB page for all the latest MLB Rumors or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the MLB Newsfeed