DODGERS DEAL FIVE PROSPECTS FOR MANNY MACHADO
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Yusniel Diaz, pitchers Zach Pop and Dean Kremer, and infielders Rylan Bannon and Breyvic Valera.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
In Machado, the Dodgers land one of the best players in the game. A natural shortstop who can also play excellent defense at third base, Machado is expected to play both positions during his stint in LA (which may or may not be a short-term proposition). While Machado is still expected to test the free agent market this winter, with eyes on going to the New York Yankees, the Dodgers may have a chance to keep him around for the long run. And, even if they don't, they will get back Corey Seager from injury in 2019 to handle shortstop duties. Machado's arrival makes LA a favorite to reach the World Series for a second straight season.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles took the best deal available in exchange for their best player, since he was a virtual guarantee to leave via free agency this off-season. In Diaz, the Orioles land a top prospect on the fast track to the major leagues. The 21-year-old may already be considered Baltimore's best prospect, and he has a chance to compete for a roster spot next spring training if he continues a normal progression through 2018. Pop has future late-inning reliever written all over him, and he may come quickly. Kremer has a chance to become a solid, mid-rotation starter for Baltimore, while Bannon is a quality defender at the hot corner with both power and patience. He might already be considered the third baseman of the future with the O's. As for Valera, he is mostly a utility infielder prospect for Baltimore.
Fantasy impact
Machado's short-term fantasy stock may dip slightly as he adjusts to the National League and a much more pitcher-friendly park at Chavez Ravine. That said, he may be boosted by the possibility of reaching a World Series for the first time. The stock of all five prospects going from LA to Baltimore are rising after this deal, especially that of Diaz, Pop and Bannon. Kremer may have preferred pitching at Chavez Ravine but his path to the big leagues should be much clearer as an Orioles prospect. As for Valera, his value is negligible as a utility infielder.
