Los Angeles Dodgers: Why a Manny Machado trade should not happen
By Jason Reed
2. The asking price
The Baltimore Orioles are going to ask for a pretty hefty trade package for just three months of Manny Machado. While Machado is definitely a great bat and a great help to the Dodgers, the team’s asking price is understandably driven up because it is Manny Machado. Insert a lesser known guy with the same production and the price would not be nearly as high.
Right now, the Dodgers seem like the would undoubtedly have to part ways with Alex Verdugo and another mid-tier prospect such as Yadier Alvarez.
However, the Orioles are also reportedly interested in a pair of Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, shortstop Gavin Lux and starting pitcher Dustin May. That is where I draw the line. I may be biased because I watch a lot of Quakes baseball, but the Dodgers cannot afford to give up four great prospects for three months of Machado.
Verdugo is expendable as is Alvarez. The Dodgers seemingly always have enough outfielders and Alvarez is a flamethrower with a high ceiling and also a low floor.
However, Lux has really blossomed into a guy with a smooth swing and good defense that seems fit to make it to the big leagues. He looks like the most polished player in the Cal League and is giving flashbacks to Corey Seager.
And while there is no path for Lux at shortstop, the Dodgers can bring him up through the system as a second baseman and could even play him at short with Seager moving to third base once Justin Turner is off the roster.
May is a pitcher with a ton of upside that is going to progress into one of the Dodgers’ top prospects next year. He has an electric fastball and wipeout breaking balls that will only get better as he grows into his frame.
Bottom line: Verdugo, Alvarez, Lux and May are way too much for a three-month rental, no matter who that rental is.