MLB trade rumors: Manny Machado trade ‘very close’ to done deal

The Orioles are ‘very close’ to dealing All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, sources told Roch Kubatko of MASN and MASN.com and Jon Heyman of Fancred.

As far as which team is on the other end of this deal, it is unknown, but the Phillies, Dodgers and Brewers are believed to be the favorites right now. Heyman says that Orioles sources told him that the Yankees are not the team because they “didn’t have the need of some others.”

When it comes to the Phillies, they were able to become a favorite because they need a shortstop and are willing to step up their offer by putting right-handed pitching prospect Adonis Medina in a package, according to MLB.com. Medina is Philadelphia’s No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and No. 73 on the Top 100 list. Previously, Baltimore had asked to have the Phils’ No. 1 prospect Sixto Sanchez be the centerpiece in the deal. The Brewers also made the list because they need a shortstop, particularly as a major bat upgrade to their lineup. The Dodgers lost star shortstop Corey Seager for the season due to Tommy John surgery.

The Yankees news disputes a comment that Machado’s nephew gave on MLB Network in which he said he would like to see Machado play for the Yankees if his uncle had to play for any club other than Baltimore. In addition, Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman posted a photo on Instagram that included Machado with the Yankees’ four All-Stars. The Yankees, along with the Indians, primarily want Machado for third base.

Even though a deal is close for him, the 26-year-old Machado will be representing the Orioles at tonight's All-Star Game.

Machado is in the midst of his best season in the big leagues, slashing .315/.387/.575 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI.