Fantasy Baseball 2019: Best Fit for Manny Machado

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 26: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after flying out during the thirteenth inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Manny Machado /

Superstar Manny Machado is apparently deciding between the White Sox and Phillies. Where would be the best fit for his fantasy baseball value?

The Manny Machado lottery has seemingly come down to two teams, the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. The New York Yankees reportedly will not reach the $300 million Machado is looking for. With all the young talent they have to pay in a few years, it makes sense. Of the two teams left, which team is better for Machado’s fantasy baseball value in 2019 and beyond?

Looking at the big picture, the American League Central is the worst of the two divisions. I recently wrote about the division here. Outside of the Cleveland Indians, the opposing pitching is not the best. Then again, it could get even better if the Indians trade one of their top pitchers.

Plus, with how hitter-friendly the majority of the ballparks are, Machado will have no problem crushing the ball and being a top-15 fantasy hitter.

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The National League East, highlighted here, would be stiffer competition for Machado. The Washington Nationals loaded up their rotation by adding Patrick Corbin. The New York Mets have a dangerous one-two punch with Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard.

Also, three of the five NL East parks ranked in the bottom half in home runs according to ESPN Park Factors.

The White Sox win the battle of the division opponents.

Breaking down the team around him, the Phillies win this battle. Rhys Hoskins, Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura, Odubel Herrera and Nick Williams will all benefit from having Machado in the middle of the lineup. They have a good combination of power, contact and speed to get into position and score some runs.

The White Sox have some interesting pieces but not enough to make the lineup that much more dangerous. Jose Abreu is the big power hitter of the team. Yonder Alonso and Daniel Palka can hit 20 home runs next season as well. After that, though, the lineup gets a little weak. Yoan Moncada, Yolmer Sanchez, Tim Anderson, Nicky Delmonico. Not the best supporting cast for a superstar.

If the White Sox want to become a better overall team, they would trade Abreu for another starting pitcher and some prospects. This frees up a spot for Palka to be the full-time DH. Yes, having both Abreu and Machado in the lineup would be great but they need another starting pitcher more.

The Phillies will become a big threat in the NL East, maybe even the favorite to win the division, especially if Bryce Harper doesn’t go back to Washington. The White will likely be fighting for the second Wild Card spot, a big improvement to where they finished last season.

We could get the Machado news within the next week. That will get the ball rolling with the rest of the free agents. The White Sox stacked the deck by signing Machado’s brother-in-law, Alonso, and good friend, Jon Jay. Philly could likely offer more money and has a better team around him.

Next. Fantasy Baseball Division Breakdown - AL Central. dark

Machado will succeed regardless of where he signs. I think moving to the AL Central will be best for his fantasy baseball value.

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