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Los Angeles Dodgers: Why a Manny Machado trade should not happen

By Jason Reed

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 11: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles takes the field before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 11, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 11: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles takes the field before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 11, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Dodgers
(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Dodgers /

3. There are infield options for a much better value

Let’s say the Dodgers are all in on adding an infielder at the deadline, which seems to be the case as the team has checked in on other infielders and their trade status.

One of the infielders that the Dodgers checked in on was Cincinnati Reds’ second baseman, Scooter Gennett. Gennett is enjoying a career year that has led to an all-star induction as well as put him in MVP consideration.

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Gennett is hitting .326 with 16 home runs, 60 RBIs and a .896 OPS. The second baseman is on pace to hit 27 home runs, drive in 103 RBIs and collect 193 hits. Not only is Gennett producing at a high level, he is reliable as he has played 90 of the Reds’ 94 games this season.

What makes trading for Gennett even more appealing is the fact that he is under team control through 2019 as well. Right now, the Dodgers’ second base situation is unclear for next season and Gennett would serve as a nice answer. He would also extend the team’s streak to seven straight years with a different person starting at second on Opening Day.

The trade package for Gennett would still be hefty but may not be as overbearing as a Machado deal would be. Los Angeles could part ways with both Verdugo and Alvarez, throw an expiring Logan Forsythe contract in, perhaps a future second baseman in Jake Peter as well as a mid-tier prospect, such as catcher Will Smith.

The Reds would be getting two elite prospects, one fairly good one with a ton of upside, a big league ready second baseman that could help this year or next and an expiring contract that does not affect any long-term plans.

All of these guys are expendable for the Dodgers, even Smith, who plays in a catcher-heavy farm system.

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The Dodgers could then make Gennett the starting second baseman. This would put Max Muncy at first, Cody Bellinger in the outfield and Chris Taylor at shortstop. With Gennnet, Muncy and Kemp as the top three hitters in the team’s best lineup, the Dodgers would be scary come October.

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