With the Yankees reportedly having "increased interest" in trading for Orioles All-Star Manny Machado as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline nears, the Red Sox have also been in contact with Baltimore about the slugging shortstop, according to the Baltimore Sun.Machado, a free agent this offseason, is in the midst

With the Yankees reportedly having "increased interest" in trading for Orioles All-Star Manny Machado as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline nears, the Red Sox have also been in contact with Baltimore about the slugging shortstop, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Machado, a free agent this offseason, is in the midst of his best season in the Majors, entering Tuesday hitting .309/.379/.555 before belting two home runs against the Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Per the Baltimore Sun report, a Red Sox scout was in attendance.

• LISTEN: Morning Lineup Podcast on Machado rumors

The Red Sox and Yankees are locked in a tight race atop the American League East, with Boston leading New York by 3 1/2 games. While both teams already feature very powerful lineups -- the Red Sox lead the Majors with 502 runs scored and the Yanks are third with 465 -- New York's need for a starting pitcher in a market with few potential impact arms may lead it to upgrade its lineup. Boston may try to add to the Majors' best offense while keeping a marquee slugger away from its division rival.