Manny Machado should fit in well in the Dodgers line up.
The Baltimore Orioles traded shortstop Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers late this afternoon for five prospects.
The deal which was rumored at yesterday’s All-Star game has finally been completed. Machado will play shortstop for the Dodgers and fill the void left by the season ending injury to Corey Seager.
Machado currently has 24 home runs and 65 RBI on the season. He is hitting .315 with an OPS of .983. Machado is having a monster season offensively and the move to the National League will allow him to add to his already impressive numbers.
Machado should fit in well in a Dodgers lineup that will offer him protection but also the opportunity to drive in runs. Dodger Stadium is a pitcher’s park but Machado’s power plays well in any park.
Machado’s acquisition makes the Dodgers the favorites in the NL West. If VP of Baseball Ops Andrew Friedman can fortify the bullpen, the Dodgers will be the favorites to once again represent the National League in the World Series.
Machado is a rental but the Dodgers were willing to roll the dice on him for 66 “plus” games. The Dodgers gave up five prospects but the only significant prospect they gave up was outfielder Yusniel Diaz who was their fourth rated prospect in their farm system.
The rest of the National League cringed tonight and rightfully so. Machado will fit in nicely with the Dodgers. Los Angeles is now in the drivers seat and anything less than a trip to the World Series would be a major disappointment.