Baltimore Orioles Thursday Thoughts: The Fruits of the Machado Trade

Just a few seasons ago, the Baltimore Orioles were a team to watch, with exciting players who consistently performed at or above expectations. Now, all the hope is on the horizon.

Then, in 2017, the team dropped to the bottom of the AL East, and in 2018, the Baltimore Orioles became a team in rebuild mode. In 2018, the front office had to decide whether to trade players of value or pay them serious money as they entered into free agency.

The sell-off began on July 18 when the front office made an exchanged the face of the team. They moved Manny Machado to the World-Series-contending Dodgers. In return, the Orioles received a collection of minor leaguers that include Rylan Bannon, Yusniel Diaz, Dean Kremer, and Zach Pop. One major-league-ready player, Breyvic Valera, was also included in the deal.

Valera saw time in 12 Orioles games, then was sent to San Francisco for money. All four of the minor league players are in the Orioles system.

In his final season with the Orioles, Machado hit .315/.387/.575. He knew what was coming if he dominated, and he ended up winning big. After a weak performance in the World Series, he entered free agency and was signed by the Padres for what was the highest contract ever paid: $300 million for 10 years.

His record didn’t last long, as Bryce Harper signed with the Phillies for $330 million a few days later. They were both eclipsed shortly after by Mike Trout who will earn over $400 million with the Angels.

After signing with the Padres, Machado played in 156 games and batted .256/.334/.462. He hit 32 home runs, but he led the NL in grounding into double plays. During his time with the Orioles, his career slash was .283/.335/.487. He won several defensive awards, including the coveted Platinum Glove.

At this point, it is too soon to decide if the Orioles front office made a quality trade.

The Orioles appeared to have had Machado’s best years, so far. But the strong infielder will turn 28 in July. This season (if it happens) could be Machado’s time to shine, but in the 29 plate appearances he had in spring training, he hit a paltry .115/.207/.269.

The answer to who won the trade is in the hands of the prospects awaiting their debuts. Yusnial Diaz could have time in the Big Leagues this season, especially after his Spring Training numbers. The right-handed Cuban outfielder hit .300/.417/.500 in his 24 plate appearances in Florida. He had two triples.

Bannon is close on Diaz’s heels, but with Hanser Alberto‘s success at second base in 2019, he might have to wait a bit longer. Bannon saw time in 11 games in Spring Training and hit .333/.467/.667 with one home run.

More from Orioles News

• Baltimore Orioles Sign RP Mychal Givens
• Gunnar Henderson: Destroyer of Four-Seam Fastballs
• Which Current Baltimore Orioles Pitchers Have the Best Curveballs?
• Orioles News: Should the O’s Pursue Eovaldi? + More MLB News
• Should the Baltimore Orioles Consider Signing Nathan Eovaldi?

Kremer and Pop are both pitching prospects. Kremer is the top pitching prospect after his performance in Spring Training. Pop did not pitch in Spring Training. Kremer pitched 5.1 innings in Florida, where he walked two batters and gave up six hits. No earned runs were scored on his watch. Despite his brief success in 2020, Kremer has to prove himself in Triple-A. In 2019, he recorded an 8.84 ERA in 19.1 innings.

These prospects have big shoes to fill. Orioles fans are used to seeing power and speed in their outfielders, and Diaz is expected to have both. Fans have been waiting for good pitching. John Means delivered in 2019, but the fans want more. If the 2020 season gets started, Kremer could see some time in Baltimore.

Seeing these two players, along with other exciting prospects, make their way to the Big Leagues should make the pain of the recent losing seasons worthwhile. Hopefully, they will prove that the Orioles were wise in trading Machado when they did.