Baltimore Orioles Not Planning to Shop Manny Machado This Offseason
Manny Machado is one of the top third basemen in Major League Baseball (MLB) and he should draw a lot of attention on the market if the Baltimore Orioles placed him on the trading block. He will likely net a huge return if they trade him this offseason, but it seems the team isn't looking to part ways with their franchise player just yet.
FanRag Sport's Jon Heyman has reported that the Orioles have no intention of shopping Machado this winter, but they have yet to decide if they want to make another attempt to sign him to a contract extension. The three-time All-Star is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2018 season and he has set himself up for a huge payday with his high level of play in the past few years.
"Owner Peter Angelos has not yet made the commitment to extend an offer to Machado, which would presumably have to be for at least $200 million, and while it would seem to be a long shot at this point, it couldn't hurt and they should give it that shot," Heyman said.
"The Orioles signed Chris Davis to a $161 million deal, but Machado could make a case he's worthy of a Giancarlo Stanton-type deal, which is almost exactly twice as much at $325 million, or perhaps even more," he added.
MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi has also noted that the Orioles are planning to make improvements to their starting rotation this offseason and they want to keep Machado for at least one more season.
However, both Heyman and Morosi have speculated that the Orioles may become available at the trade deadline next year if they struggle in the first half of the season.
Heyman also revealed that their rivals don't seem to think they can sign Machado to an extension. Still, there remains a possibility that the third baseman may opt to stay with the Orioles.
