Are the Dodgers Being Used For Leverage in Machado Talks?
Every season, the Dodgers find themselves in the center of attention during the trade season. With the trade deadline just weeks away, the Dodgers remain in the middle of trade talks for infielder Manny Machado.
Among the suitors interested in Machado, Los Angeles reportedly gave the most enticing offer. While the specifics of that offer have not been shared, the likes of Yadier Alvarez and Trevor May have all been mentioned in a possible trade package by Los Angeles. Despite the offer by the Dodgers, the Orioles stood pat as they continue to take calls on Machado. With the Orioles stubbornness in dealing Machad0, are they using the boys in blue to add leverage to trade talks?
Los Angeles Has the Prospects
Given the Dodgers top tier farm system, the Orioles can afford to use them to put pressure on other suitors for Machado. Back in February, Bleacher Report ranked Los Angeles’ farm system as the fifth best in all of baseball. Among the other teams interested in acquiring Machado, the Braves, Brewers, Phillies and Yankees also have the premier prospects in their respective systems to match the Dodgers package.
Source: #Orioles have mentioned Keibert Ruiz and Dustin May in talks with #Dodgers on a Manny Machado trade. (@BNightengale was first to link May and Baltimore.) L.A. is not likely to trade Ruiz for a rental. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 9, 2018
The Dodgers have not fallen for the Orioles trap by overselling for Machado. Knowing that Machado will become a free agent at the end of the year, they have made it known that they are not willing to give up Verdugo or Ruiz for a rental.
Los Angeles’ Market
With the popularity surrounding Machado’s name and the big market of Los Angeles, the Orioles can convince other teams that the Dodgers are a threat. Playing in Los Angeles as a rental may convince Machado to sign with the team long term. If suitors such as the Diamondbacks buy into this reasoning, they may increase their package for Machado..
They Have Been Used For Leverage Before
The Dodgers were in a similar situation in 2014 when they tried to pursue pitcher David Price. Back then, the top of their farm system featured Joc Pederson, Corey Seager and Julio Urias.
The Tampa Bay Rays used them for leverage. Price, wound up with the Detroit Tigers in a three-way deal with the Seattle Mariners.
Analysis
Fortunately for the Dodgers, Machado is not necessarily a necessity in Los Angeles. They already have depth with Justin Turner, Chris Taylor, Max Muncy and Kike Hernandez all capable of manning the left side of the infield. While Machado would help the lineup, they do not need to unload their farm system for a three month rental.
This goes both ways. If LA appears to be close to signing Machado then other teams might sweeten their deal to get us to trade with them instead.
There is no “signing” of Machado possible at this point. He only becomes signable as a free agent. People constantly misuse this term when they mean to refer to acquiring the player via trade.