MLB
The Wait Is Over; Manny Machado Is Traded To The Dodgers
After weeks of speculation, the deal is finally done. The wait is over; Manny Machado has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a lifelong Dodger fan, I was originally hesitant when I heard the Dodgers were contenders for Machado because I was afraid of what they were going to have to give up to get him. The Dodgers always have one of the best, if not these best, farm systems in the league. The thought of losing some of their top prospects and taking on a bunch of money for a short-term rental didn’t seem like the best move, no matter how amazing Machado’s numbers are. However, after seeing what the finalized terms of the deal are, I feel the Dodgers actually got a steal.
What They Gave Up and What They Didn’t
To get Machado, the Dodgers are giving up five prospects, but none are their top three overall. Outfielder Yusinel Diaz is the Dodger’s highest prospect, at no. 4 overall, that they are giving up. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles will also receive,
” Bannon, a third baseman, was No. 27. Kremer, a right-handed pitcher, was No. 28. Pop is a right-hander in High A. Valera is a 26-year-old 2B who has seen time in majors this season.”
What they didn’t give up is their top 3 prospects, outfielder Alex Verdugo, catcher Keibert Ruiz, and pitcher Mitchell White.
Machado is owed $6.3 million dollars on the season, but that will still keep the Dodgers under the Luxury Tax. All things considered, this turned out to be a great deal!
What They’re Getting With Machado
What are the Dodgers getting with Manny Machado? A beast, that’s what! In his seven seasons, Machado has always had solid numbers, but this season he is by far surpassing any other. Currently, at the All-Star break, Machado is batting .315 with 22 doubles, 24 home runs, 66 RBIs and a .963 OPS. Those numbers are beyond ridiculous and will definitely add even more to the already impressive Dodgers lineup. In addition, Machado is a four-time All-Star and two time Gold Glove winner. With Corey Seager being out for the season, Machado will plug into the shortstop position nicely.
World Series Push: The Return of Mannywood
The Dodgers acquiring Manny Machado is giving me deja vu of another superstar named Manny being acquired mid-year by the Dodgers. That Manny was none other than Manny Ramirez. The acquisition happened almost 10 years to the day and birthed “Mannywood”, which was a section in Left Field to honor Manny Ramirez. Ramirez helped lead the Dodgers to a postseason birth and to the NLCS, where they unfortunately eventually lost to the future 2008 World Series Champion Phillies.
After going to the World Series last year and getting so close to winning, it was true heartbreak for any Dodger fan. Like Manny Ramirez, Manny Machado was the most sought-after trade piece and the Dodgers once again were the ones who got their man. With the Dodgers acquiring Machado, it could be the push we need to seal the deal this year. With Machado’s glove and numbers, it is definitely a good move and makes us better. Hopefully, Machado will help the Dodgers win their first World Series in 30 years!
