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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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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 15: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs hits a RBI double to score Albert Almora Jr. #5 in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on May 15, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 15: Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs hits a RBI double to score Albert Almora Jr. #5 in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on May 15, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

7. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs made more sense as a potential landing spot for Manny Machado last winter and earlier this season. A funny thing happened as the last round of trade rumors swirled, however. All-Star shortstop Addison Russell actually started hitting. The 24-year-old is now hitting .282/.355/.404 with five homers and four stolen bases while continuing to play Gold Glove defense.

Over his past 27 games, Russell has hit .318/.384/.466 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Coincidentally, the Cubs are 17-10 in those games and are keeping pace nicely with the equally-hot Brewers.

You can never rule out the Cubs when it comes to a blockbuster trade because Theo Epstein is calling the shots, but Machado now looks like an extreme longshot to end up in Chicago. The fact that the Orioles are holding out for a huge return also makes the Cubs unlikely to land the All-Star shortstop. Baltimore may be interested in trading for Javier Baez, Ian Happ, Albert Almora or Kyle Schwarber, but those are key players on the Cubs roster and still under cheap contracts.

The Cubs are positioned perfectly to keep pace with the Brewers without trading for Manny Machado. They have the best offense in the National League and one of the best pitching staffs. Epstein and Co. have pulled off the big trades two years in a row, but should feel comfortable enough with this roster to make only minor moves this year.

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