Rumors have circulated over the last few weeks that the Baltimore Orioles are willing to deal off two of its best players, closer Zach Britton and set-up man Brad Brach.
Now, the rumors are starting to include Manny Machado’s name. And I’m here to tell you, that better be a joke.
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado throws out Tampa Bay Rays’ Adeiny Hechavarria during the fifth inning of a baseball game Monday, July 24, 2017, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)
I’m already having a hard time understanding why Britton and Brach would be on the trading block. The two All-Star relievers make up arguably the best closing duo of any bullpen in all of baseball, which makes you question why the Orioles’ brass would even consider dealing them. Why would you want to get rid of the best closer in baseball?
Some would argue that you have to give to receive and Baltimore has other needs, like a quality starting pitcher or two. Trade your closers for some starters and improve your greatest weakness. But then you’re just replacing one area of weakness with another.
That’s just common sense. The same common sense it takes to understand Manny Machado is untouchable. The guy’s a 25-year-old three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner. He’s arguably the best third-baseman in the Major Leagues when it comes to fielding and he’s not too shabby batting on offense, either. Machado’s the first Oriole in franchise history to collect 270 extra-base hits before age 25, and just the 30th player in MLB history to accomplish such a feat.
Machado will be a megastar in baseball and the Orioles can’t afford to trade that away. I understand that when it’s time to re-sign him, he won’t be cheap. It’s going to cost them. But he’s worth it.
If the Orioles want to improve as a team, they need to find a way to add quality without losing quality. Sounds easier said than done, but it’s a better idea than trading away the future face of your franchise. That would just be plain stupid.
