PHILADELPHIA -- The Manny Machado sweepstakes are reaching their conclusion, and recent reports have the Dodgers, not the Phillies, landing the superstar shortstop.
The Phillies have pursued Machado for weeks, and they believed Tuesday they remained in the hunt, according to one source. But multiple reports said the Dodgers have emerged as favorites. USA Today even reported the Orioles and Dodgers could announce a trade Wednesday, which would leave the Phillies searching for new ways to improve their offense before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
If the Phillies don't acquire Machado, a source said they will turn their attention to players like Mike Moustakas and Eduardo Escobar.