San Francisco Giants: Manny Machado for Third Base

If the Baltimore Orioles were to make Manny Machado available, there is a chance he could become the future third baseman for the San Francisco Giants.

I know, a bit of dreaming on my part, but what if the Baltimore Orioles decide to rebuild?

They’re in a division with a couple of powerhouse teams on the rise in the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

The Orioles have had some good seasons and playoff trips, but they really should think about rebuilding. And if they do, they have to trade Manny Machado in the last year of his contract.

At the very least, once the Orioles get into the season and realize they aren’t contenders, they should look to move Machado.

He’ll be one of the most attractive free agents next offseason — where the Giants could sign him long-term.

Machado would be a no-brainer at third base for the Giants. He’s hit 33 or more home runs in the past three seasons and is one of the best defensive third baseman in the game.

Even though it seems like he’s been around for a while, he’s still just 25 years old.

This will be his last year of arbitration, where he’ll likely receive more than $15 million for 2018.

On the free agent market next year he’ll get a massive contract, but we’ll worry about that later. If the Giants do hope to sign him long-term, having him in San Francisco the year before he hits free agency could help.

More from Around the Foghorn

• SF Giants: 2021 team is approaching franchise milestone
• SF Giants: Brandon Belt is a qualifying offer candidate
• SF Giants: Outfielder Ka’ai Tom signed to minors deal
• SF Giants: Reliever Reyes Moronta clears outright waivers
• SF Giants sign veteran 1B John Nogowski to minor league deal

Plus, if they were to trade for him before the season started, they could offer him a qualifying offer after the season and get an extra draft pick.

The problem becomes — as with all trades this offseason — what do the Giants have to offer?

If the Orioles made Machado available, there would be several suitors knocking on the door. And all of them will have better prospects to offer than the Giants.

The good news is that the price shouldn’t be too high for a player with one year of control. But still, we’re talking about one of the best players in baseball.

If the Giants can get by with just giving up one of their top three prospects, that would be great.

Most likely, they’d have to give up a top prospect, a major league ready, controllable player like Joe Panik, and a b-level prospect or more.

Next: Why the San Francisco Giants Should Wait for 2019

This is still a goose chase at this point. The Orioles have not made any mention of rebuilding, but it’s something to keep an eye on this offseason, and especially during next season.