MLB trade rumors: Top 25 trade assets for deadline

1. Manny Machado

The Orioles are staring down the barrel of a very bleak future. Despite repeated public statements that he would have been interested in an extension in the past, Baltimore never found a way to get a deal done with All-World third baseman Manny Machado. He will be a free agent after the 2018 season, and no longer has a reason to consider taking himself off the table before getting to hear what the rest of the league might offer him.

Who really knows why the Orioles did not jump with both feet when Machado was open to getting an extension done. His knee injuries may have scared them off. Maybe owner Peter Angelos was not ready to commit to a more expensive roster. Regardless, failure to buy up a few of Machado’s free agent years will cost the Orioles the best young player they have ever had their hands on.

Machado has to be traded before he walks in free agency. A team like the Orioles simply cannot afford to lose a player of his caliber for nothing more than a draft pick. Angelos has always been aggressive when it comes to keeping homegrown talent in Baltimore, but who really expects the Orioles to be able to offer ten years and $400 million to Machado. An even better question is whether or not Manny has enough confidence that the Orioles can pay him $40 million a year and still field a competitive team.

Next: Each MLB team's biggest trade chip

This year’s trade deadline is the best opportunity the Orioles have to get maximum value out of Machado in a trade. Teams will still offer massive packages this offseason or next trade deadline, but offering the chance to have him for two playoff runs could land the Orioles four or five top prospects who are close to MLB ready. A rebuild is inevitable in Baltimore, but is the front office willing to swallow their pride and pull the plug?