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Baltimore Orioles rumor: Diamondbacks continue to pursue Machado

By Kristen Bentley

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 08: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins is out at second base as Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles turns a double play during the fourth inning of the game on July 8, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 5-1. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JULY 08: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins is out at second base as Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles turns a double play during the fourth inning of the game on July 8, 2017 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Orioles defeated the Twins 5-1. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Baltimore Orioles have a problem that involves Manny Machado and Tim Beckham.

Beckham was signed by the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline to play shortstop, but Manny Machado wants to play there.

The team also has another problem that includes Manny Machado and it has to do with money. Will the Orioles commit to keeping Machado after the close of the 2018 season? Or will they let him go?

While many teams have shown interest in Machado, there is a team that can solve both of the Orioles problems. The Arizona Diamondbacks are rumored to still be actively pursuing the elite infielder. And, they want him to play shortstop.

So, if the Orioles sent Machado to Arizona, Beckham’s spot at shortstop would be secure. And the money they would need to drop to keep Machado becomes a moot point.

Tim Daniels with Bleacher Report shared the news that the D-backs are working hard to convince Dan Duquette to send his top player to the desert. The news was originally shared by Ken Rosenthal on The Athletic (link in the Tweet).

The D-backs are the only non-AL-East team rumored to be interested in Machado. If a trade happens, it is highly unlikely Machado will be traded to the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees. So, the D-backs have a slight edge.

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The Diamondbacks are not known for their farm system, but they do have a few pitchers that could be of interest to Duquette. While a pitcher like Robbie Ray would be a nice gain for the Orioles, the D-backs are not likely to trade someone of that caliber. They do have a few pitchers in Triple-A that could be interesting for the Orioles.

Anthony Banda is a 24-year-old lefty with two options and is expected to see some time in mid-2018. He saw 25 innings in Arizona and had a 5.96 ERA. He has a 94 MPH fastball along with a curveball and changeup. Arizona also has Ketel Marte, who can play third and short. He’s no Machado; his slash in 2017 was .260/.345/.395 and his WAR was 1.1.

The Diamondbacks might be able to sweeten the deal by giving up Taijuan Walker or Zach Godley. But, that could be doubtful. Still, after the D-backs benefitted from the big bat of J.D. Martinez in 2017, they might be willing to give up something to get another one. Or, they could spend the Machado money and get Martinez back as a free agent – without giving up anyone.

Next: Keep your eyes on pitcher Nestor Cortes

For now, Machado remains an Oriole and the rumor mill continues to spin.

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