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Fantasy Baseball 2018: Manny Machado trade to Dodgers

By Bill Pivetz

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League and Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the National League pose for a selfie in the second inning during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League and Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the National League pose for a selfie in the second inning during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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It looks like Manny Machado will finally get his wish as multiple reports have a trade to the Dodgers as an immiment outcome. How does this trade affect his fantasy baseball value going forward?

The Baltimore Orioles waited and waited and it seems they finally got the trade they were looking for. Their star player, Manny Machado, will be traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now playing in the National League West, how is Machado’s fantasy baseball value affected?

Machado will be leaving the hitter-friendly confines of the American League East. He’s hit well in Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium and Oriole Park throughout his career. Machado was average at Rogers Centre (.241 average) and horrible at Tropicana Field (.186 average).

Machado has just 16 total games played in the NL West stadiums, zero at Coors Field. Three of those stadiums; Petco Park, AT&T Park and Dodger Stadium rank in the top 10 for home runs according to ESPN Park Factors. The other two are 18th and 23rd.

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Machado is on his way to having a career year. He is hitting .315 with 24 home runs, 65 RBIs, 48 runs, eight steals and a .387 on-base percentage. Matt Kemp is the only Dodger hitting over .280 and Max Muncy is the only one with over 20 home runs. The Dodgers needed Machado.

So far this season, Machado has a career-low strikeout rate and career-high walk rate. He is also hitting fewer ground balls and more fly balls, which are then turning into home runs. He’s swinging at fewer pitches out of the strike zone and making more contact overall. Despite a four-time All-Star, Machado is still getting better.

This move makes sense for both teams. The Orioles didn’t want to pay Machado or lose him for nothing in the offseason. The Dodgers needed a shortstop while Corey Seager recovers from Tommy John surgery.

The move also frees up Chris Taylor from shortstop and allows him to go back to being the utility guy. He can play second base and outfield if needed. With the Dodgers issues at second base, he may play more there. Muncy has also played some first, second and third base this season.

Machado may not hit as many home runs in the second half as he would if he was still in the AL East, but he will still perform like an elite player. Likely hitting second or third in the Dodgers lineup with Muncy, Kemp and Cody Bellinger around him will give Machado plenty of chances to drive in runs and get on base.

For the Orioles, it looks like Tim Beckham will move back over to shortstop and Danny Valencia will get more playing time at third base. Unless the Orioles receive an MLB-ready player back, I don’t see them calling up anyone to fill the void at shortstop.

The good thing is that Beckham will get shortstop eligibility after eight more games (depending on your league’s settings).

Next: Late-round RB targets in PPR leagues

Machado owners should have nothing to worry about with the move. He has a good team around him and is motivated to win a World Series. After that, we wait to see where he signs his long-term deal.

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