Could Harper and Machado be on the same team?

As the MLB hot stove continues on throughout the beginning of winter, two of the biggest dominoes have yet to fall. Former MVP Bryce Harper and perennial All-Star Manny Machado have yet to choose their new teams for the foreseeable future. It seems that literally any team in the league would jump at the chance to have even one of these amazing players on their rosters. But could they both possibly land on the same team?

Rumors have been flying that the Chicago White Sox could potentially try to acquire both Harper and Machado. When I first heard this I honestly thought there was no chance that could happen. Why would two players in their primes go to such a terrible team? Well, money always plays a big factor in these type of situations and that is what the White Sox have. Harper and Machado have potentially both been looking for deals in the 10 year, $200-300 million range, so this seems like a long shot the White Sox could pull that off and get both of them.

If I had to take a guess, I truly believe Machado will become a Yankee. He’s made it known he wants to be one and he would fit well into their infield. He just seems like the type of player that was born to be a Yankee. The real question is where Harper will land because he’s been tied to numerous clubs during the offseason such as the Cubs, Phillies, Nationals, White Sox, Dodgers and Yankees. The final team that could emerge and acquire them both is the Yankees. Why? Because they’re the Yankees and always have the money and appeal for the biggest stars in the league.

Wherever each of these two massive assets land could really shake up the league this year. Machado was a huge factor in the Dodgers late run to the World Series and Harper is always a threat to pop off at any time. As the stove warms up we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Dave Cook – Contributor

 

Manny Machado Free Agency Prediction

Manny Machado – New York Yankees

It pains me to say this, but it appears that the New York Yankees will make a serious a serious bid for one of the brightest young superstars in the game. His antics in the 2018 postseason were noted but will not cost him. Unfortunately, when you are as good as Manny Machado, you can get away with being a terrible person who injures people intentionally and is openly anti-hustle.

Shortstop is wide open for the Yankees right now, and for the foreseeable future with Didi Gregorius on the shelf with a torn UCL.

“Gregorius is under contract through 2019, then hits free agency in 2020. That means that Manny Machado to New York would be a smooth transition. With Didi out, Machado could slide right in at shortstop while Gregorius recovers.” – With Gregorius out for 2019, Machado’s path to New York is paved – WTF Sports

Manny Machado is one of the best young players in the game, coming off another strong season in 2018. Machado hit .297 with 37 HRs, 107 RBIs, and a .905 OPS. He played 162 regular season games between Baltimore and Los Angeles. He is lined up for a mega-deal not many teams can offer.

The Yankees certainly can afford Machado and will be looking for some massive upgrades after being defeated in the ALDS by the Boston Red Sox. The rivalry is back, and that front office is going to do everything they can to be on the winning side of it. Over the last three seasons, the Yankees have watched the Boston Red Sox clinch the American League East on their own turf twice, and advance to the American League Conference Championship just weeks ago. Brian Cashman is going to do anything in his power to stop the Boston Red Sox from having a fourth champagne celebration at Yankee Stadium in as many years.

New York is tired of watching the Red Sox dominate this rivalry over the last few seasons. Now they have the funds and the youth to get back to their historically dominant form. Look for the Yankees to pursue Machado heavily and for Machado to go for the largest contract available. That will likely end with Manny in pinstripes.

Bryce Harper Prediction:

Bryce Harper Free Agency Prediction 2.0

Patrick Corbin Prediction:

Predicting Where the Top Free Agent Pitcher Will Land

Scott Neville – Head Baseball Writer – WTF Sports

With Gregorius out for 2019, Machado’s path to New York is paved

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius is set to have Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm this off-season. Gregorius has a torn UCL that he sustained in the ALDS against the Red Sox. Typically Tommy John surgery takes a player off the field for at least a year, sometimes more. Aaron Boone however had a different take saying, “We think there’s a realistic chance he plays the bulk of the season with us.” Now I have no idea what gave Boone the confidence to say that but Yankees GM Brian Cashman had no timetable for the recovery. The date of the surgery has not been set, though I’m sure it will be soon.

Gregorius is under contract through 2019 then hits free agency in 2020. That means that Manny Machado to New York would be a smooth transition. With Didi out, Machado could slide right in at shortstop while Gregorius recovers. Should he come back sooner than expected, they could ease him in with a utility role. Gregorius hit .268 with 27 HRs, 86 RBIs, 89 Runs, and a .829 OPS in only 134 Games. He battled injuries all season but took advantage of that short porch in Yankee Stadium and played great defense all season. I could see him coming back late in the season and providing some depth for a stacked Yankees infield should Machado sign. After 2019, Didi will have a chance to make some money and find a well deserved starting role most likely elsewhere.

Manny Machado is one of the best players in baseball, which he has continued to prove this season. Manny hit .297 with 37 HRs, 107 RBIs, and a .905 OPS. He played 162 regular season games between Baltimore and Los Angeles. As he faces off with the Brewers in the NLCS, Machado will look towards free agency, and what that will mean for his career.

Machado has been great for the Dodgers, a large market team that should have interest in signing him to a long-term deal. However, Corey Seager is on his way back from Tommy John surgery and will look to retake his spot as the captain of the Dodgers infield. Maybe the Dodgers make a power move by moving Seager to second-base to keep both stars in Los Angeles.

Should the Dodgers fail to re-sign Machado, expect the Yankees to go all in to bring Manny back to the American League East. The Evil Empire has worked hard to get back under the luxury tax in recent years. They are looking to pay up for a proven seasoned superstar slugger like Manny Machado. It appears as if Machado to New York has been developing for years and now it looks clear as day.

Scott Neville – Head Baseball Writer – WTF Sports

Machado headed to Los Angeles

Last night it appeared that Machado would be sent to Philadelphia, now it seems as if a deal with the Dodgers is just minutes away. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that a Machado to Dodgers trade is immanent. Buster Olney reported that the paperwork is being worked on right now and that the deal is in place. Jon Heyman claims #4 Dodgers Prospect Yusniel Diaz will be sent to Baltimore, pitching prospect Dustin May is rumored in the deal as well. The Phillies are still confident and apparently very aggressive but it appears to be too late. Their deal featured MLBs #73 RHP Prospect Adonis Medina.

Around the Diamond is back!

Episode 11 of Around the Diamond is finally here! We talk about the Red Sox season, Homerun Derby, Manny Machado predictions, we give our Mid-Season Baseball Awards, briefly discuss some fantasy football and basketball, then finish with some hockey talk.

We spend almost two hours trying to find a half-decent recording software and started the podcast after 2:00 am. We were very tired and not on our absolute A game but we powered through. Here it is!

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/around-the-diamond/id1348076505?mt=2#episodeGuid=aroundthediamond.podbean.com%2Fep-11-mike-trout-stinks-0a9a69baa246f6d7bbf1572f9b6a389f

 

The Red Sox are reportedly in on Manny Machado

Yesterday the rumor mill was filled with talk of Machado to the Yankees. Ken Rosenthal got the people going, but I disputed that rumor with logic.

Manny Machado is NOT Going to the Yankees:

https://wtfsports.org/2018/07/10/manny-machado-is-not-going-to-the-yankees/

The latest Machado rumor pulled in the largest city that has not come up yet, Boston. The Baltimore Sun’s Peter Schmuck reported that the Red Sox have “renewed interest” in Manny and have been in “recent contact” with the Orioles. Listen here Schmuck, the Red Sox do not have the room or the prospects to land Manny Machado. I said this about the Yankees and I’ll say it again, of course Dave Dombrowski checked in on Machado’s trade value. That is his job, it would be irresponsible to do otherwise. I bet that phone call lasted about three minutes and ended with “okay never mind just thought I’d make sure.”

Let’s look at our options here:

The Red Sox trade for less than half a season of Machado, give up Michael Chavis and Jay Groome in the process. Now the Red Sox gave a division rival their third-basemen of the future as well as the top pitching prospect in the Red Sox farm system. The only place to put Machado is at third base because Bogaerts is staying in the line-up and if he moves to third he may never get a base hit again. That moves Rafael Devers to the bench who is on fire lately. This transaction would stunt his growth and knock his confidence.

 

My Guy Rafy Big Sticks Forgetting How to Release a Baseball Bat

 

Or:

The Red Sox grab a piece or two and keep their top prospects. The best team in baseball ensures that they will keep the best record in baseball by adding a solid reliever like Brad Hand or/and a quality second baseman like Whit Merrifield.

Now I would love to see Machado in a Red Sox uniform, but it just doesn’t make sense. The Red Sox would be giving up a ton and changing a whole lot for two months of a guy that’s about to get PAID by a team in need of a stellar shortstop this off-season.

 

Machado Laying Out in the World Baseball Classic

 

The most likely scenario is Manny to the Brewers as of today. The Brewers want to make a package around OF prospect Brett Philips while the Orioles are targeting stud pitching prospect Corbin Burnes. One team will cave, most likely the Orioles and a trade will either get done, or fall through putting Manny on the west coast.

Scott Neville – Head Baseball Writer – WTF Sports