Why 2018 Is Likely Manny Machado’s Final Season With Baltimore Orioles
The continuous feed of Baltimore Orioles rumors and reports regarding third baseman Manny Machado revealed news on his future with the O’s beyond the 2018 season.
The Baltimore Orioles trade rumors on Manny Machado may have slowed down, but it’s far from over. Throughout the offseason, since the Orioles revealed their desire to trade Machado, numerous teams have reached out to express interest.
At first, Machado trade rumors were intense with teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies all interested interest in the 25-year-old.
Out of the teams in pursuit of Machado, the D’Backs remain most consistent. Also, the D’Backs have included second baseman Brandon Drury and pitching prospect Anthony Banda in the Machado trade discussions, per Ken Rosenthal of The Atlantic.
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Fortunately, Orioles EVP Dan Duquette isn’t going to trade Machado unless they get a plethora of top prospects or elite MLB-ready starting pitcher. Even more, Duquette must get the challenging approval from the Orioles owner Peter Angelos, who isn’t afraid to reject any of Duquette’s trade proposals.
Simply, fans want to know if there’s any chance of the Orioles offer a contract extension to Machado, whether it’s this offseason or next.
Well, a couple telling statements took place on Twitter yesterday with MLB.com’s Orioles reporter Brittany Ghiroli, who responded to some questions on Machado’s future with the Orioles.
An Orioles fan on Twitter asked Ghiroli if there’s any chance the Orioles and Machado come together on a long-term deal.
The O’s reporter responded with, along with answers to a few more Machado trade questions:
Are you saying not a chance to an extension or even in free agency?
— Brian Yancelson (@brian_yancelson) January 16, 2018
Im saying the Orioles aren't signing Manny Machado to an extension. He's expected to hit FA next year. https://t.co/q6B5evtBiF
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) January 16, 2018
Not gonna happen. Way too late.
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) January 16, 2018
And Ghiroli brings up a great point, it’s far too late for the Orioles and Machado to agree on a lengthy extension. Especially not after the organization has spent most of the offseason trying to trade Machado.
The Orioles desire to trade away Machado comes after six sensational seasons with the Orioles. In his 764 games played in an O’s uniform, Machado produced:
- Three All-Star appearances (2013, 2015, 2016)
- Two Gold Gloves (2013, 2015)
- Top 10 in AL MVP voting three times (2013, 2015, 2016)
- 138 home runs
- 406 RBIs
- 862 hits
Next: What Makes Keegan Akin an Interesting Pitching Prospect
Some type of good news if you want Machado to stay is the Orioles avoided arbitration with him and settled on a deal worth around $16 million. Manny Machado attending Orioles FanFest as well, giving a chance for O’s fans to see their favorite player.