Report: Indians Stand As Top-Four Trade Destination For Orioles Shortstop Manny Machado

In an article published Thursday afternoon, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports the Cleveland Indians as a top-four landing spot in the Manny Machado sweepstakes. The Baltimore Orioles’ shortstop will more than likely be wearing a new uniform after the MLB Trade Deadline next month due to a lack of uncertainty of his future after his contract expires at the end of the season.

Heyman lists Cleveland’s odds at 10-1 in his article and cites reasons for Machado winding up in a Tribe uniform being the obvious fix it would provide the Indians infield and the familiarity of a family member.

With Jason Kipnis struggling mightily for Cleveland, the team might be better off looking for a new second baseman. It’s extremely ideal that the second baseman would just so happen to be playing third base for the Indians, that being Jose Ramirez. A Machado deal would send Ramirez to the right side of the infield while Machado takes over the hot corner, sending Kipnis to the bench.

Secondly, Machado’s brother-in-law is Tribe first baseman Yonder Alonso. Having some family on the same team would surely be fun for both guys, another reason for Cleveland to make the move.

It obviously is going to take a haul for Machado, despite him being a free agent after this season. Would the Indians part with top prospects and/or a productive veteran for one of the game’s best infielders?