We're nearly a quarter of the way through the MLB season as we're five weeks into the year, but there are already a number of trade rumblings around the league. The biggest one involves Manny Machado, who the Baltimore Orioles are expected to move given their disastrous start to the season. Here are all the latest MLB news & rumors you need to know:
Cubs targeting trade for Manny Machado
The Chicago Cubs don't appear to be giving up on a potential Manny Machado trade. They reported tried last offseason and the rumors aren't stopping anytime soon. Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports reports that the Cubs will take a look at adding Machado and "he is the Cubs' main target at the trade deadline."
The Cubs' offense has not been as strong as expected, although they have picked up their play lately. Any trade for Machado would likely require the Orioles to take Addison Russell, the Cubs' current SS. After an All-Star year in 2016 that featured 21 home runs, Russell hasn't been the same player. He has just 13 homers the past two seasons, although his batting average is at a career high of .262.
Machado is batting .347 with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. He is in the last year of his deal, which will drive down his value.
ATTENTION MLB FANS! Subscribe to Chat Sports on YouTube
Dodgers Won't Be Aggressive In Trade Market?
It hasn't been a great year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are 19-26 and had lost 9 of 10 games before going on their current 3-game winning streak. Because they're in the midst of a year where contending is a question mark, the Dodgers aren't in a position where they can be aggressive in the trade market, reports Ken Rosenthal.
While the Dodgers could prefer to move Cody Bellinger to CF and trade for Jose Abreau, Rosenthal reports the Dodgers also want to stay under the $197MM competitive-balance tax threshold. So, with money issues and a questionable ceiling for this team, don't expect LA to make any major moves unless the current roster gets turned around.
Yankees Among Top Teams For Cole Hamels?
The Texas Rangers are 18-29, dead last in the AL West by 11 games. So, it's no surprise then that the Rangers are open for business and ready to sell as they enter (or continue) a rebuild. At the top of the list of names the team is likely to deal is SP Cole Hamels.
Bob Nightengale reports the New York Yankees are one team that could have interest in Hamels, along with the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Yankees have the best record in baseball, but are in the market for pitching help.
However, there are two potential hurdles for the Yankees in getting Hamels. One, is that Hamels must approve any trade to the club (plus the Diamondbacks and Brewers). The other is Hamels' contract. The Yankees aren't trying to take on that level of money, with Hamels set to make the remainder of his $22.5 million salary this year and then $20 million next year. So, the Rangers would need to eat a large portion of that deal, which would drive up their asking price.
Hamels is currently dealing with a strained neck, but has fared well this year. He's 2-4 with a 3.48 ERA and 1.277 WHIP.
Catch up on daily MLB scores in the best sports app available - the Chat Sports App!
Back to the MLB Newsfeed