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MLB Trade Rumors: Ranking the teams Manny Machado would help most

By Joshua Sadlock

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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The Baltimore Orioles are receiving offers for All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, but which potential landing spot makes the most sense?

While the Baltimore Orioles may be squandering a career year from All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, it no longer appears they will squander his value on the trade block. The O’s are open for business and are prepared to fetch a haul for the free-agent-to-be. A robust trade market has developed for Machado, which is to be expected for a shortstop hitting .313/.382/.560 with 21 home runs and 60 RBI, and the Orioles have reportedly already received at least seven offers.

The teams that are reportedly in on Machado include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. A tight playoff race in the National League will only serve to drive up the bidding, as multiple NL contenders need an upgrade at shortstop or third base.

Obviously every contender in the league would welcome Manny Machado into the heart of their lineup, but the teams listed above are the only ones that make sense as possible landing spots. The rest of MLB’s contenders are ruled out for lack of need at shortstop or lack of elite prospects. With the potential landing spots for Machado established, let’s break down which teams need him the most.

8. Cleveland Indians

Every contender could use a superstar like Manny Machado, but the question becomes whether or not he is a luxury or if another need should be addressed first. The Indians fall into the luxury category with a potential Machado deal, but cannot be ruled out completely. Francisco Lindor is obviously entrenched at shortstop, but Cleveland has a void at second base, where Jason Kipnis is hitting .215/.296/.341. Trading for Machado would allow the Tribe to move All-Star Jose Ramirez to second base and send Kipnis to the bench.

While the Indians could use a boost of offensive production in the infield, their bigger need is in the outfield, where Michael Brantley has been the only useful hitter this season. Cleveland’s outfielders have been dreadful, so Machado’s teammate Adam Jones could be a more logical trade target. If the Indians outfield has been bad, the bullpen has been even worse. Andrew Miller and Cody Allen have looked human, and the rest of the relievers are not worth mentioning. Cleveland has a 5.01 ERA from their relievers and have seen them take 14 losses. There’s plenty of help available on the block to address that weakness.

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