Orioles infielder Manny Machado appears destined for a Dodgers trade for Yusniel Diaz, with probabilities of a confirmed deal before play resumes, coming out of the All-Star break, according to multiple reports.
CBS Sports HQ baseball insider Jim Bowden reported that Machado is not expected to be a member of the O's once their season resumes after the All-Star break, considering that he will be dealt with a National League team.
With a complicated history related to signing off on players' medicals, the Orioles have remaining hurdles. The Dodgers conducted their entire offseason with the goal of resetting their competitive balance tax status, failing to pay penalties. Given that Machado is owed the balance of a $16 million salary for 2018 and the Dodgers are right up against the tax threshold, they will require cash from Baltimore. Alternatively, a pricey contract will be sent the other way. As a result, the Orioles can leverage greater revenue.
A Machado trade would be advantageous based on the Dodgers' lost franchise shortstop Corey Seager to Tommy John surgery, leaving the team weak in the infield. Many sources maintain that adding Machado and installing him at short would allow the Dodgers to shift Chris Taylor from short to second base and resolve the deficit.
Machado's is in the midst of a career year. As noted by CBS Sports, Machado is batting .315/.387/.575 (164 OPS+) with 24 home runs in 96 games. He has also returned to his original position of shortstop this season.
Machado spoke publicly regarding his last days as an Oriole, saying, "I'm just trying to enjoy this off day tomorrow. I mean, I don't know if I'm going to get a call or not, but I'm just trying to enjoy this last off day. As of now, I haven't heard of anything".
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