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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 veterans who are prime trade candidates

By Rucker Haringey

Sep 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 21: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado
BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 21: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Manny Machado /

3B. Baltimore Orioles. Manny Machado. 1. player. 11.

The Orioles internally believe they can re-sign Machado to a massive deal this summer. That’s a foolish position for a franchise that doesn’t appear to be anywhere close to contention. There just isn’t a logical reason that Machado would spurn a massive offer from a team better in position to contend this summer.

That makes dealing Machado an absolute necessity for the O’s this season. They shouldn’t give him away, but they won’t have to. Quite a few teams would be more than happy to offer Baltimore a boatload of premium prospects to rent Machado for the summer.

If the Orioles front office really believes they have a shot at inking Machado to a new deal this summer it shouldn’t change their thoughts about trading him. The best possible outcome for the team would be to acquire serious talent for dealing Machado in-season and then to re-sign him to a free agency deal this summer.

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That isn’t the most likely outcome though. Machado is a strong bet to leave the Orioles as a free agent no matter what. Baltimore cannot afford to let him walk for free. The earlier this summer they agree to deal him the better prospect haul they’ll receive.

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