Phillies lose out (for now), as Manny Machado is dealt to Dodgers

This isn’t a good-bye to Manny Machado rumors, it’s just a see you soon.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will acquire the 26-year-old from the Baltimore Orioles, per Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, ending the Philadelphia Phillies hopes of acquiring the four-time All-Star as they look to reach the postseason for the first time since 2011. Heyman also added that outfielder Yusniel Diaz will headline a package of prospects going back to the Orioles, which also includes RHP Dean Kremer, RHP Zach Pop, second baseman Breyvic Valera and third baseman Rylan Bannon.

Of course, had the Phillies landed Machado, they would have hoped to employ him beyond the 2018 season. There’s still a chance that could happen.

Though the Dodgers gave up a package of prospects highlighted by Diaz, who homered twice in Sunday’s Future’s game, it’s still not entirely clear if they will retain him past the conclusion of the 2018 season. Machado can become a free-agent at the season’s end, and while it’s unlikely the Dodgers altogether don’t make a push to re-sign Machado this offseason, it’s unclear if they’ll be willing to compete with motivated spenders, such as the Phillies.

Machado will take over at shortstop for the time being, but Corey Seager will return in 2019 after having Tommy John surgery early in the 2018 season. Justin Turner is under contract for $18 million in 2019 and $19 million to play third base. It’s unclear if the Dodgers would be willing or able to move the 33-year-old’s contract this offseason without eating much of it, which would defeat the purpose of moving the deal.

In any event, there’s always been a belief that regardless of where Machado finishes the season, he’s likely to test free-agency and there’s a good chance he’ll go to the highest bidder. That seems to bode well for the Phillies long-term chances of netting Machado, but it won’t help them as they hope to hold off the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals and win the National League East.