Much debate has been had over the Baltimore Orioles Shortstop Manny Machado and where he will end up for the 2019 season and New York could be a very viable option.
Machado rose through the Orioles farm system, he was drafted in 2010 (third overall pick) as a shortstop out of Brito Miami Private School (High School). Manny then made his debut for the Orioles on August 9, 2012, playing third base, a position he had only switched to a few weeks before the call-up.
At third base, Machado has become arguably the best fielder, the conversation is between him and Nolan Arenado (Colorado Rockies). No one comes close to those two players. This season, however, Manny has switched back to his natural position of shortstop.
RECAP: Manny’s hot bat and stellar defense isn’t enough as the Birds lose in New York. #Birdland
More: https://t.co/WMlft1SoQH pic.twitter.com/CnWyQSoHBR
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 7, 2018
In 2017, Manny battled inconsistency and yet was still 7% better than league average, league average according to OPS+ (league average is 100). Manny had arguably his worse season since his injury year of 2014.
The shortstop is a dynamic talent and depending on your preferential projection system will home runs homeruns, have 85-110 RBIs and hit for a slash line of anywhere between .280/.340/.505 up to .290/.350/.550.
Manny will undoubtedly have a tremendous season en route to his “Walk Year”. As one of the best defenders and most exciting young players, Manny is one to watch in throughout the 2018 season. Whether at shortstop or at third base Manny Machado will have stellar defensive and an MVP type offensive year. The Yankees will consider signing Machado this coming off-season even if just to consider avoiding more potential damage to them.
After three, we’re tied up at two, thanks to one Manny Machado. #Birdland pic.twitter.com/F5h8AVaPN4
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) April 7, 2018
Machado is going to be one of the two biggest commodities on the market and will have the opportunity to choose his next place of employment. Many have speculated as to where he could potentially end up. The Phillies upper management has ties to Baltimore at the time that Machado was drafted. Some others speculate that the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or the Chicago Cubs could be potential suitors.
If I had to speculate my prediction is Manny signs on with the New York Yankees to play third base, the contract could be for an eight to 10 year deal for $280-$350 million. Now, one thing is certain no matter where Manny decides to play he will command a lot of money and provide a lot of value to that club as a 26-year-old free agent.