By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
Just 18 days remain until the non-waiver trade deadline. While the sweepstakes for many players on the trading block are amplifying in interest among teams, nothing compares to that of four-time All-Star, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado.
After facing Machado for the fourth time this season in the Phillies' 5-4 victory Thursday evening, the club has reportedly "increased their offer" to acquire his services, according to a Friday afternoon report by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Read: Report: Phillies ‘Will Not Include’ Top Prospect Sanchez in Deal for Machado
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees' offer remains the "strongest," per Rosenthal, while the Milwaukee Brewers' offer is "fading" and the Arizona Diamondbacks "on periphery." As SNY.tv's Andy Martino notes, however, the Yankees' unwillingness to include Justus Sheffield in a trade for Machado "could leave them behind other teams."
Rosenthal also reports that all trade conversations regarding Machado are "fluid," and that "one text or call can change dynamic of discussions."
Machado, 26, is slashing .316/.385/.573 this season with 21 doubles, 23 home runs and 64 RBI.
