Fansided

MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players in the game today

By Joshua Sadlock

ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 02: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his solo homerun for a 1-1 tie with the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 02: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts to his solo homerun for a 1-1 tie with the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Angel Stadium on May 2, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 20: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 20, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – APRIL 20: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 20, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

7. Manny Machado

In his walk year, Baltimore Orioles superstar Manny Machado has made the move from third base back to his original position at shortstop. The three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glover at the hot corner says the move is not financially motivated, and it may well not be. Machado is going to get paid regardless of what position he plays, and has wanted to move back to shortstop for at least three years.

Machado is the most talented player in Orioles history, with all due respect to Cal Ripken, Brooks Robinson and Frank Robinson. It could be a decade until a player this good comes along to Baltimore, and fans are rightfully fearful of losing him at the end of the year.

Over the past three years, Machado has hit .280/.338/.502 with 103 doubles, 105 home runs, 277 RBI and a whole host of highlight-reel plays. The 25-year-old was in the conversation for best defensive third baseman in the league, but will likely provide slightly less value at his new position if the move is permanent.

After struggling in the first half last year, Machado hit like the best player in the league for two months to single-handedly lift the Orioles back into playoff contention. Through the first two weeks of the year, he looks locked in at the plate and has shown much more discipline at the plate and willingness to walk than in years past.

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