The Manny Machado trade and the future

The Manny Machado trade started the swap season in earnest. For the next 12 days or so, players and fans will be on Hug Watch, as competing teams try to put themselves over the top. While the obvious glare is on the present, this piece looks at the future in regards to Ubertrades, such as the Machado one.

I’ve used the term Ubertrade before. It falls under a different category that most, and incorporates three specific aspects for a trade to qualify. First, the parts outgoing have to be largely (or exclusively) prospects. Secondly, the return must be an expiring contract: a rental. Finally, the trade is to be judged exclusively on if it leads to a World Championship. The Dodgers aren’t going…