With the Major League Baseball July 31 non-waiver trade deadline rapidly approaching, there is a growing consensus that the Baltimore Orioles will strongly consider dealing superstar Manny Machado, who’s scheduled to reach free agency at the conclusion of the season.

The Orioles, currently sporting an MLB-worst 24-61 record, are expected to be one of the more active sellers in the weeks ahead, warranting such a decision in moving on from their franchise shortstop.

Plenty of suitors have emerged for a potential Machado trade, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been deemed ‘clear-front favorites’ to land the three-time All-Star.

However, the Dodgers aren’t the only team in the National League West with ambitions of adding Machado to their lineup. The first-place Arizona Diamondbacks are aggressively pursuing the Orioles’ shortstop as well, in an effort to create separation in the standings.

Former MLB executive Jim Bowden opined that Machado would be a great fit for the Dodgers, but revealed that the club’s current offer of Yadier Alvarez and Alex Verdugo wouldn’t be enough to entice the Orioles, via CBS Sports:

“To get that bat to go with Muncy in the middle of the diamond would be great, but their offer of Verdugo and Alvarez, I’m told, is not even close to enough to get Machado,” Bowden said.

With Machado slated to test the open market this winter, there’s obvious risk in yielding multiple top prospects for a three-month rental at best.

Moreover, one can make a case that the Dodgers’ lineup as currently constructed is potent enough for another deep postseason run.

Even in the absence of Corey Seager, Los Angeles has received contributions from aplenty, including the rejuvenated Matt Kemp and Joc Pederson, as well as breakout star Max Muncy.

The Dodgers could very well focus on upgrading their pitching staff instead, as evidenced by a recent report that the club has interest in acquiring Detroit Tigers’ right-hander Michael Fulmer.

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