The New York Yankees heavily pursued a trade to acquire Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado this offseason before the Orioles decided not to trade him, and while it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that he would sign with the Yankees as a free agent this winter, that may not be the case anymore.
Baltimore is likely set to be sellers at the trade deadline given their lackluster 8-22 record and the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as a serious threat to steal him away from the Yankees, according to Joe Giglio of NJ.com.
While the idea of the Orioles (8-20 heading into play on May 1) selling at the deadline and shipping Machado away to the highest bidder is no surprise, the Dodgers could represent a real threat to the Yankees and Phillies bidding on the 25-year-old next winter.
If, say, the Dodgers land Machado, make a big run and go deep into the playoffs with the impending free agent, there's at least a chance Machado could want to stay in Los Angeles long term.
Los Angeles also pursued a trade for Machado this offseason and plan to pursue both Machado and Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper, who will also be a free agent after the season.
New York also plans to pursue Harper in some capacity, but Machado is their top priority.
Machado is batting .353 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs this season.
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