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This season has been a nightmare for the Baltimore Orioles, who are off to an atrocious 8-26 start. With numerous core players on expiring contracts, the Orioles decided they were going to go all in this offseason by signing two of the top free agent pitchers on the market in Andrew Cashner and Alex Cobb. So far, neither has impressed. In addition to this, injuries to all-star second baseman Jonathan Schoop and shortstop Tim Beckham, as well as poor defensive play, and inconsistent starting pitching have put the Orioles out of contention in May.

The question at this point is not if the Orioles will sell, but when will they sell? The expiring contracts of Manny Machado, Zach Britton, Adam Jones and Brad Brach will figure to bring back solid prospects, while the team could also look to deal players such as Darren O’Day and Jonathan Schoop. The player who everyone will be coveting to the highest extent will be Manny Machado, who is one of the best players in the game. The Orioles have no intention of re-signing Machado, who will command a record contract in the offseason. Baltimore will certainly start taking offers for Machado as soon as possible, so let’s look at some of the teams who can potentially be in the market for Machado.

Potential Deal 1:

Orioles Receive: SS Addison Russell and RHP Oscar De La Cruz

Cubs Receive: SS Manny Machado

The Cubs have been off to a slow start by their standards this season with a 17-15 record, good for 4th in the NL Central. Cubs ownership is reportedly set to be extremely aggressive according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun Times, so what better way to be aggressive than pursuing a star like Manny Machado? Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is known for his glove, but has simply not been getting it done at the plate. Russell is only 24 years old, and is under club control for the next three seasons, which is certainly enticing for Baltimore who will be in a rebuild phase. It is also known that the Orioles will be seeking a quality young pitcher, and De La Cruz he has the potential to be a #2 starter. He is currently listed as the Cubs third best prospect according to MLB.com.

Potential Deal 2:

Orioles Receive: RHP Adonis Medina, RHP Seranthony Dominguez

Phillies Receive: SS Manny Machado

The Phillies were one of the teams who showed interest in Machado over the winter. With Phillies front office executives Andy Mcphail, Scott Proefrock, Ned Rice and Joe Jordan all being part of the Orioles organization when Machado was drafted, the young and talented Phillies will certainly be looking to make a splash. The Phillies would be unlikely to part with top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez for a rental like Machado, so Adonis Medina makes sense who is the Phillies #3 prospect according to MLB.com. Furthermore, the Orioles will probably ask for another young pitcher such as Seranthony Dominguez, who can be a middle of the rotation starter. The Phillies will have a ton of money to spend this upcoming offseason, and with the team on the upswing, this would be a fantastic place for Machado to settle long-term.

Potential Deal 3:

Orioles Receive: SS Amed Rosario, RHP Marcos Molina

New York Mets Receive: SS Manny Machado

It is extremely unlike the Mets to make a big splash, but with a talented team and a legitimate chance to win the NL East this season, there is no reason they shouldn’t go all in and acquire one of the game’s top players. Rosario is off to an extremely tough start this season, but was widely considered as one of the top, if not the top prospect in baseball last season, and has a lot of potential still. He’s also under club control for awhile, something that will entice the Orioles tremendously. Molina, the Mets #8 prospect according to MLB.com, doesn’t project to be a top of the line starter, but has potential to help to be a #3 starter for the Orioles in the upcoming future. The Mets would most likely not be able to re-sign Machado due to the $300 million contract he’ll demand, but they should definitely take advantage of NL powerhouses such as the Nationals, Dodgers, and Cubs starting slow.