Manny Machado is a hot name at the 2017 MLB Winter Meetings, and for good reason. The superstar third baseman has made three all-star teams in just six seasons, been awarded two gold glove awards, and is only 25 years old. The talented slugger is also coming off an impressive 33 homerun season. It’s not shocking to hear that the Phillies would be interested in adding a player of his caliber to their young nucleus, but the cost may hamper any potential deal between the two ball clubs.
The Orioles are reportedly interested in coveted Phils’ prospects Sixto Sanchez and Scott Kingery, whom the Phillies are reluctant to deal. Machado is certainly worth such a haul, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season and his desire to play for a contender, the two prized prospects are way too much for Philly to part with for a potential one year rental.
On the other hand, landing Machado could be a huge first step in luring OF Bryce Harper to the City of Brotherly Love. Joining a lineup consisting of Nick Williams, Odubel Herrera, Manny Machado and Rhys Hoskins is a great selling point and may be enough to reel him in. If this is the angle the Phillies are aiming for then I understand being a bit aggressive in their pursuit of Machado.
If acquiring Machado is more of an independent move than building their case for Harper, then I think it would be wise for the team to be patient. The Orioles are aware that they have little to no shot at retaining the young infielder beyond this season, so his price will steadily decrease as the season progresses and they lose leverage.
I think it would be best if the Phils halted trade talk until after Spring Training. This would give the team time to evaluate exactly what they have in Sanchez and Kingery. It would also allow them to see if current 3B Maikel Franco has put it all together in year five.
It certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing if the team manages to pull off a trade for Machado at the Winter Meetings. The team just has to be careful not to shoot themselves in the foot by trading two prized prospects for a star they may not be able to retain.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
