Manny Machado Trade Rumors: What Dodgers Could Give Up, Why A Deal Hasn't Been Made

Manny Machado Orioles Dodgers — Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles and the American League and Matt Kemp #27 of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the National League pose for a selfie in the second inning during the 89th MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard at Nationals Park on July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Shortly before the 2018 MLB All-Star Game began, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as the frontrunners to acquire Manny Machado. When the contest concluded, a deal between L.A. and the Baltimore Orioles was on the verge of being agreed upon, according to multiple reports.

But Machado is still a member of the Orioles on Wednesday afternoon. The deal, which was reportedly supposed to include as many as five prospects headed to Baltimore, has yet to be officially made.

Machado deal to dodgers is agreed upon, tho could be still some medical/approval to go. Press conference slated for Wednesday or Thursday. Many prospects going to orioles (believed to be 5). No $ in deal (LA will remain under threshold anyway)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 18, 2018

Possible snag in Machado deal to Dodgers. Sources indicate that one or more of prospects coming to #Orioles have some issues in their physicals. Surprise surprise. May open door for other clubs. Stay tuned.
— Steve Phillips (@StevePhillipsGM) July 18, 2018

Outfielder Yusniel Diaz is supposed to be the centerpiece of the trade. He was the team’s No.4 ranked prospect in spring training, according to MLB.com, and he’s posted a .905 OPS with a .314 batting average in 59 Double-A games.

Perhaps if one or two prospects that the Dodgers agreed to trade can't pass their physicals, another team could entice the Orioles with a better offer. Baltimore planned to deal Machado before their next game, which isn’t scheduled until Friday. The MLB trade deadline is still nearly two weeks away on July 31.

The Philadelphia Phillies would likely want to seize the chance to get back in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes. It wasn’t too long ago that they were considered the favorites to land the shortstop.

Philadelphia reportedly offered No.2 prospect Adonis Medina in their trade proposal to Baltimore. The Phillies are in first place at the All-Star break and hoping to reach the playoffs for the first time in seven years. Philadelphia would likely try to sign Machado to a lucrative, long-term contract.

The Dodgers probably view Machado as a rental for the remainder of the season. L.A. is set at third base with Justin Turner, and Corey Seager should be their shortstop for years to come when he returns in 2019 from his season-ending injury. Los Angeles views Machado as a piece that could potentially get them over the hump following five straight NL West titles and no World Series championships to show for it.

The Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks were considered in the mix, but not likely landing spots for Machado earlier this week.

Major league baseball