Another day, another Manny Machado rumour.
Just three days after the New York Yankees had reportedly put in a strong offer for the four-time all-star infielder, it now looks like the Philadelphia Phillies have jumped to the head of the pack.
According to Fancred.com’s Jon Heyman, the Phillies are “thought to be running ahead” of almost all other pursuers for Machado such as the Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Indians.
Machado is in the midst of another all-star campaign that has seen him hit .313/.383/.568 with 23 home runs and 64 RBI in 407 plate appearances.
A combination of his monstrous production this season, the fact he will become a free agent at the end of the year and because the Baltimore Orioles have been abysmal this season with the worst record in the Majors has made the 26-year-old one of the most sought after players with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching.
The NL East-leading Phillies currently hold a 1.5-game lead over the second-place Atlanta Braves. Adding Machado would not only mean they would be acquiring one of the best players in baseball, but they would also, conveniently, be filling a need at shortstop in the process.
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