Colorado Rockies: How would Manny Machado change the NL West?

Per usual in the month of July, there are plenty of trade rumors and one of the hottest commodities on the market this year is the impending free agent shortstop Manny Machado…and he could be coming to Colorado Rockies’ division: the NL West.

The Baltimore Orioles are the worst team in baseball. Entering Sunday, the Orioles are a baffling 40 games under .500 at 24-64, which is 36 games back of the division leading Boston Red Sox (who have the best record in all baseball at 61-29) and 31.5 games back of the 2nd AL Wild Card spot.

They have a herd of impending free agents on their team that they will probably trade and the best player is shortstop Manny Machado and according to MLB.com, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are the front runners for the shortstop who is leading the AL in voting for starting at shortstop in the All Star Game.

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If either one of the teams acquire Machado, it could be a huge blow to the Rockies, even though they have been playing well of late. For either team, Machado could be the final piece for them to win the NL West.

For Diamondbacks, acquiring Machado could be like their move to acquire outfielder J.D. Martinez last year from the Detroit Tigers, when he hit 29 homers and 65 RBI with an OPS+ of 170 in 62 games.

For Dodgers, it would provide them with a lot more depth since their regular shortstop, Corey Seager, is out for the year with Tommy John surgery. Their current shortstop, Chris Taylor, has played second base and center field for them this year as well as third base and left field for them last year.

For the Rockies, they would probably have to counter with a trade for themselves. They enter Sunday behind the D’Backs by 3.5 games and 2.5 games back of the Dodgers, who are in second place.

They could conceivably make a move for a starting pitcher (even though they have been a lot better lately) or bullpen help. Also, the Rockies could even, perhaps, buy and sell both as Carlos Gonzalez will soon gain 10-and-5 rights so he’d get no trade rights. If they decide to trade him, the Rockies could trade to get another outfielder (or a first baseman if they want to move Ian Desmond to the outfield).

Next: Colorado Rockies: Who might be playing in the All-Star Game?

If they don’t, they could live to regret it. They will already have an uphill climb for the rest of the way against the Dodgers and Diamondbacks but Machado might be the dagger unless the Rockies make a splash of their own.