As the countdown to the July 31, 2018 MLB trade deadline approaches, day-by-day rumors surrounding Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will dominate the conversation around the sport.

If (and it's a bigger if than many would think) the Orioles move on from Machado in an effort to replenish a poor farm system and decaying team, the Phillies will likely be involved. But the price tag matters. If the cost is how it's currently being reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman, it's hard to imagine the Phillies paying it for a player they can simply go after on the open market in November.

The Phillies love Machado and have indeed reached out, and seem like a favorite over others (and could be part of an NL East battle; more on that below). One Phillies-connected person suggested the Orioles are asking for four young players, and that at present, the price is "too steep."

But that doesn't mean Machado-to-Philadelphia is a done deal. The infield star will almost assuredly hit free agency after the year. He'll be joined on the market by Nationals slugger Bryce Harper.

The Phillies, after years of rebuilding, resetting and lowering payroll will be waiting with blank checks--possibly for both players.

Yes, one person connected to the Phillies didn't rule out the team inking both Harper and Machado before the 2019 season.

"It isn't a matter of whether we have the money. The question is, 'Will they come?'" one Phillies person said.

The Phillies' attractiveness has been questioned before (even by their own people, following their steep fall after their mini dynasty that culminated with their World Series title a decade ago) but likely increased this season with the team's obvious improvement, and word is team higher-ups-including enthusiastic owner John Middleton, who is now running the show--are determined to improve the team next winter, when the mega market hits MLB. One person with Phillies ties said Machado tops their free-agent wish list, but he wouldn't rule out a run at both of the two positional superstars-Machado and Bryce Harper-though that would seem like a stretch, even with their big, new, billion-dollar TV deal.

With so many big-market teams expected to pursue one or both, it's hard to imagine the Phillies actually signing both stars. But with the idea out there, it shows just how ready the Phillies are to spend big to improve an already ascending team.

Philadelphia currently owns a $68.3M payroll for 2019. Even with arbitration raises for Cesar Hernandez, Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez, we're talking about a team that could realistically add both marquee free agents and still be clear of the luxury tax.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.