After coming up just one game short of their first World Series title since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers improved their chances of getting over their title drought by acquiring All-Star shortstop Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles.
In a deal that made sense for both sides, the Orioles acquired a collection of young prospects for Machado, a player whom they likely would not resign next offseason when the star shortstop hit the open market.
Conversely, the Dodgers added another powerful bat to an already potent offense that includes Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, and the surprising veteran Matt Kemp.
For Machado, the move comes as a blessing as the 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic leaves a Baltimore team well out of playoff contention to join the first-place Dodgers. In addition to playing for a playoff contending team, Machado will be able to showcase his talent in the second-largest television market before a likely blockbuster deal next season.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles receive five prospects in the deal, including outfielder Yusniel Diaz, the No.11 ranked prospect in the Dodgers farm system according to FanGraphs.com.
The trade hit a snag yesterday when a few of the Dodger prospects involved in the deal reportedly failed their physicals, but the two teams worked past the issue, and the players have been officially notified of the agreement.
Machado will play shortstop in place of the injured Cory Seager, who will miss the remainder of the season due to Tommy John surgery.
