Reports surfacing that Manny Machado will be traded this week

Could this local artist rendering be a preview?

With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline looming just two weeks away, the Philadelphia Phillies remain one of the favorites to land superstar shortstop Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles.

Based on a number of developments leaking out into the media on Monday morning, things now appear to be finally coming to a head.

Former big league general manager Jim Bowden, now an analyst and talk show host who is also featured on Sirius XM and MLB Network, tweeted out the following update:

Manny Machado will represent the #Orioles in the All Star Game….but he is expected to be traded before the regular season resumes later in the week according to sources involved in the trade discussions.
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) July 16, 2018

All of the usual MLB insiders have been following the Machado developments closely. In particular, Jon Heyman of Facred Sports and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic have been all over the story.

Heyman recently reported that there have been “at least nine teams in on” Machado, with “seven that made offers” according to the Baltimore Sun.

On Sunday, Machado homered in the bottom of the first inning of the Orioles 6-5 victory over the Texas Rangers. However, following a 36-minute rain delay he was removed from the game. The homer may have been Machado’s final moment in front of the fans at Camden Yards.

Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo of Sirius XM and MLB Network’s “High Heat” (Mon-Fri, 1-2pm ET) was a guest this morning on local Philly Sports Radio 94.1 FM WIP. During his appearance, the station tweeted out the following quote:

“I think maybe [Machado] played his last game yesterday with the Orioles. I could see a trade by Wednesday, maybe Thursday. And I think it’s Brewers and Phillies, I really do.” — @MadDogUnleashed on Machado
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) July 16, 2018

After the game, Orioles skipper Buck Showalter commented on Machado’s removal per Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com:

“We’re all adults here, some more than others. We know what’s going on, the potential. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that [the rain] was all of it. My thought on that is, What are you telling the other eight people?’ Obviously there’s a different situation going on with Manny. You all know that. That had a lot to do with it.”

The Phillies may actually be the leading contender to acquire the 26-year old. They have an absolute need, and the resources both from a financial and prospect perspective to get a deal done. The Orioles have reportedly been scouting the Phillies farm system over the last few days with increased intensity.

Some of the names mentioned as possibly going to Baltimore in a Machado package are current or recent big leaguers Nick Pivetta, J.P. Crawford, Maikel Franco, Enyel De Los Santos, and Drew Anderson. Prospects such as Adonis Medina, Jo Jo Romero, and Adam Haseley are also frequently mentioned.

It may be difficult to get Machado to give up free agency and sign a long-term contract while the season is still going on. However, the Phillies have those financial resources to get it done. Owner John Middleton is also extremely motivated. So, don’t be surprised that, if the club does acquire him, the Phillies are able to get such a contract done. 

Originally appeared at PHILLIES NATION as "Manny Machado to be dealt this week, per report"