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MLB Trade Deadline 2018: One player on each team likeliest to be dealt

By Brad Weiss

BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 30: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles heads to the dugout against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 30: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles heads to the dugout against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images /

Philadelphia Phillies: Maikel Franco

The National League East has been interesting to say the least this season, as the Washington Nationals are not in the driver’s seat entering July. In fact, they are not even in second place, as the Philadelphia Phillies are currently the team sitting behind the first place Atlanta Braves.

When it comes to this Phillies team, they have really overachieved this season, and they are doing it with a nice blend of veterans and younger players. First-year manager Gabe Kapler is getting a tremendous season out of guys like Odubel Herrera, Rhys Hopkins, and free agent signing Carlos Santana, all of whom have 14 home runs as of July 1.

If the Phillies want to hang on in the division, or even get a Wild Card spot, they are going to have to make a move or two during the trade deadline. One player who could be available is third baseman Maikel Franco, who has not looked comfortable at the plate all season long.

In fact, the organization has told teams that their slumping third baseman is “more than available,” which is interesting considering he is only 25-years old. According to the article by NBC Sports, if Franco does not play consistent baseball in 2018, then the team will be very active in bringing Manny Machado to the City of Brotherly Love.

Franco has not been consistent at the plate, and it could spell the end of his run in Philadelphia. He is still young enough to be very attractive to a team that is light at the third base position, and there are currently some teams chasing down a spot in the playoffs that could use his glove, and bat later this season.

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