MLB trade rumors: Indians, Orioles have discussed Manny Machado

The Indians and Orioles have discussed a potential deal for Manny Machado this offseason, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Talks between the two teams aren’t active according to Morosi, who believe the Indians to be one of the best trade partners for the three-time All-Star due to the Orioles’ desperate need for starting pitching, and the Indians’ surplus of arms.

The Orioles could seek pitchers like Danny Salazar and Mike Clevinger, who the Indians have the luxury to part ways with should it result in the addition of a player like Machado.

Machado, 25, dealt with an awful start to the 2017 season but still managed to hit over 30 home runs for the third straight season, finishing with an OPS+ of 107.

If the Indians were to work out a deal for Machado, they would need to open up and infield spot, which could mean another trade to deal away second baseman Jason Kipnis. The Indians and Mets were rumored to have a deal in place for Kipnis prior to the team signing former Indian Jay Bruce, but executives in the organization decided against completing the deal.