With many a top contender putting out feelers for Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, some concrete details are emerging about an offer that the defending NL Central champion Chicago Cubs apparently floated out.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported over the weekend that the Cubs have discussed infielder Addison Russell, outfielder Albert Almora, and left-hander Mike Montgomery with the Orioles as a potential trade package for the three-time All-Star. Cafardo also adds that Baltimore’s “most substantive” Machado trade talks so far seem to be with the Cubs.
The 25-year-old Machado, who can be a free agent after the 2018 season, has been the hottest name on the trade block this winter with the Orioles looking unlikely to extend him. Baltimore has been playing hardball with interested suitors lately, but it is obvious that Machado can be had for the right price. His reported desire to switch back to shortstop would also make him a perfect fit next to Kris Bryant on the left side of the Cubs’ infield, at least in theory.
