Dodgers rumors: The perfect trade package to land Manny Machado
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been heavily connected to Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado. Here is the package that can get the deal done.
Talks regarding Manny Machado and the Los Angeles Dodgers are picking up some heavy steam. Machado has been a potential trade candidate for the Dodgers for months now. Finally, the possibility of getting Machado is turning into a serious reality.
Seven teams have reportedly offered a trade for Machado with the Dodgers undoubtedly being one of them. Alongside the Dodgers are the Diamondbacks, Brewers, Phillies, Cubs, Braves and Indians.
The Dodgers have the most to give for Machado with the least to sacrifice. Milwaukee may have a better farm system but the pieces in the Dodgers farm system are ready and expendable.
However, despite having the easily expendable talents, the Baltimore Orioles seem to be stubborn about making a deal happen. Dan Clark reported that the Orioles turned down a formidable package from the Dodgers.
In exchange for Manny Machado, the Dodgers offered up their No. 1 (Alex Verdugo) and No. 8 (Yadier Alvarez) prospects - as per Jim Bowden.
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) July 8, 2018
Foolish of the Orioles to decline this. The stubbornness is all too familiar, sadly. Was a fair offer for what’s only a three month rental.
Clark hit it right on the nose. If the Orioles really declined this then the front office may be becoming too greedy. It will be interesting to see what the Dodgers and other teams counter with, but for three months, that is a great price.
There are a lot of teams that would not pay more than that for a year of Machado, let alone three months towards a playoff run. The Dodgers may be one of those teams, and if the Orioles continue to be stubborn, a deal may never happen (sounds all too familiar to the Miami Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton).
Los Angeles has been just fine without Stanton and should be ok without Machado. However, Machado adds a much-needed layer of security to the roster if one of the breakout bats of this season eventually fall off the table.
Thus, with that in mind, we think that trading for Machado is great. If we are running the Los Angeles Dodgers, this is the trade package we are offering — and not extending past.
There are multiple things to digest in this trade package. First and foremost, there are three new names from the old proposed trade package; Logan Forsythe, Joc Pederson and Dustin May are thrown into the mix.
Forsythe is on an expiring deal and has not been great for the Dodgers this season. With Machado now on the roster, the Dodgers would be relying on Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernandez and Chase Utley to field innings at second base. They will be just fine without Forsythe.
What makes moving Forsythe important is the luxury tax. Moving him allows the Dodgers to acquire Machado and stay under the tax.
Joc Pederson is the established young bat that has peaked his trade value this season and may be a very intriguing piece for a power-hitting team like the Orioles. Pederson could excel in Camden Yards and gives the Orioles immediate offense.
Dustin May is a pitching prospect that currently plays for Advanced-A Rancho Cucamonga. May was drafted in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft and has a 5-3 record with a 3.13 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 72 innings this season.
May is reportedly a prospect that the Orioles are interested in.
As for Verdugo and Alvarez, the Orioles would be getting two top-tier prospects. Verdugo is already big league ready and is hitting .350 in AAA this season. Alvarez is a flamethrower with a massive ceiling that the Orioles could develop in their system.
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Overall, this trade is fair for both sides and accomplishes each team’s desired goal. If the Orioles turn this down, well, they are simply foolish.