One potential factor in any Manny Machado trade is the fact that he’s poised to become a free agent at the end of the year, and any team trading for him may get a rental. Thus, any acquiring team would have to consider whether they think they can sign Machado to an extension before he fits free agency.
The answer for most teams is reportedly no, with one exception. According to Robert Murray of FanRag Sports, a source close to the Baltimore Orioles shortstop believes the Chicago Cubs are the only team Machado might consider committing to long-term.
Otherwise, Machado appears likely to test the open market, where he will likely be in line for a massive payday.
To be clear, there is a long way to go before any Machado trade is realistic, and the Orioles might not even move him. The Cubs have been frequently linked to the shortstop, though the braintrust in Chicago has been quick to try and quiet talk of a potential deal.
