MLB trade rumors: Orioles unlikely to trade Manny Machado this winter

The Baltimore Orioles will not look to trade their star third baseman Manny Machado this winter, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Heyman also notes that while the O’s will not look to deal Machado, they have also not offered him a contract extension, and that it may not be possible due to him hitting free agency next winter. Machado will certainly seek an extension of more than what Chris Davis received from Baltimore and likely upwards of $200-million. Negotiations could even creep up toward and over $300-million next winter in a Giancarlo Stanton-type deal if Machado hits the open market.

The 25-year-old star was having a down year for much of the season with his .264/.318/.484 line (.802 OPS) with 32 homers, 32 doubles, and 92 RBIs. However, he has been much better in the second half hitting .307/.346/.533 with 14 homers in 64 games. Machado has finished in the top five in the AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons, and his second half push could lead him to another top-10 finish in the race this year.

Heyman notes the Orioles could still look to deal Machado at next year’s trade deadline if they determine that they would be unable to bring him back in free agency. Until then, it appears as though Orioles’ owner Peter Angelos and company have no intention of moving Machado.