Late Night Machado Rumors: Yankees Out, Phillies “Most Likely”

While earlier today it appeared that a Manny Machado trade could be close, it may be even closer as of Monday night approaching midnight.  Two reports indicated first that a trade is "very close" and that Machado's destination is becoming much more clear.  The news is good news for Phillies fans.

First, Jon Heyman on Fancred Sports called a trade of Machado "very close".  But the big news was that Heyman ruled out the team who might be the most worrisome competition for Machado in the New York Yankees:

The team that is close to a deal isn't known, but it won't be the Yankees, who according to Orioles sources didn't have the need of some others.

One thing is clear to Heyman, however: Machado will appear in Tuesday's All-Star Game as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.

After Heyman reported his news, Jon Morosi of MLB.com called the Phillies the "most likely destination" for Machado and reiterated that a deal was close. The main development from Morosi was that the Phillies would include prospect Adonis Medina in a deal: 

The Phillies have indicated that they would include right-handed pitching prospect Adonis Medina in a package for Machado, one source told MLB.com. The Orioles are known to covet Medina in the Machado talks. Unless another suitor increases its offer, the Phillies are well-positioned to acquire Machado.

Medina represented the Phillies in the Futures Game on Sunday. Earlier today the website Barstool Sports suggested that the Phillies have a "handshake deal" with the Orioles to acquire Machado after the All-Star Break.  However, those reports were quickly refuted.  The Orioles may indeed wish to see their star player in the All-Star Game one last time before he departs the organization.   

But trading Machado may be their best chance to rebuild their franchise and a trade should happen sooner than later.