Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones donated $8,500 to the Mamie Johnson Little League team from Washington, D.C., on Friday to help subsidize their travel for the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut.

Jones made the contribution after he was alerted to the team's online fundraiser: 

According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, the Mamie Johnson Little League team "is the first predominantly black squad to advance to the Mid-Atlantic Regional." 

If the representatives from the nation's capital win the Mid-Atlantic Regional, they will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 

Jones previously donated $20,000 to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, and linked up with the Orioles to donate $75,000 to Baltimore-area Boys & Girls Clubs. 

Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones explained Tuesday that he simply exercised the rights afforded to him by Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement when he vetoed a possible move to the Philadelphia Phillies in advance of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline.

"When players walked out years ago and walked the picket lines and stuff, they did that for reasons like this," Jones said, according to the Baltimore Sun's Eduardo A. Encina. "I earned this and it's my decision. I don't have to explain it to nobody. It's my decision. Thank you."

Jones' comments come two days after Fancred's Jon Heyman reported Jones had "given the impression" he wanted to stay in Baltimore to see out the remainder of his contract, which is set to expire at season's end.

The 33-year-old was afforded the right to make that call after he earned 10-and-5 rights, which are given to players who have racked up at least 10 years of MLB experience, including the last five straight with the same team.

"I made the decision, you all didn't," Jones added after Baltimore's 6-3 loss to the New York Yankees. "This is my decision, this is my life. I'm not going around dictating other people's lives. So why do they do that with us? No one is going to tell me what to do. I earned every single bit of it. People before me fought vigorously, tirelessly to get rights like this. And I can invoke them."

Had Jones approved a move to Philadelphia, he could have provided a welcome veteran presence in a promising outfield that includes Odubel Herrera, Rhys Hoskins and Nick Williams.

However, a move down I-95 didn't suit Jones. As a result, his playing time is likely to dwindle down the stretch as the Orioles budget more playing time for young contributors with a full-scale rebuild in mind.

"I see what they're talking about when they're talking about us with a rebuild and fire sale," Jones said. "We got rid of some guys that are making substantial money and are probably gonna make substantial money next year. That's [proof] they're going in a different direction."

The 33-year-old—who entered Tuesday batting .285 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI—will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

The Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants are reportedly showing interest in Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones ahead of the July 31 MLB non-waiver trade deadline.

On Thursday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the list of teams keeping tabs on Jones' availability and noted the veteran "likely will waive no-trade rights to a contender."

Jones is the latest O's star to land in the rumor mill ahead of the deadline. Baltimore already traded shortstop Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers and closer Zach Britton to the New York Yankees in exchange for packages headlined by prospects.

The 32-year-old slugger has put together a mediocre campaign at the plate in 2018. He's posted a .277/.303/.421 triple-slash line with 10 home runs through 97 appearances. It puts him on pace to fall short of 20 homers for the first season since 2010.

Jones has spent the past decade with Baltimore after arriving in a 2008 trade with the Seattle Mariners. He's earned five All-Star Game selections, four Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger Award with the organization.

Moving the longtime face of the franchise would be a clear sign the Orioles are moving toward a complete rebuild after struggling to remain competitive in the AL East.

Jones comes with a high price tag—$17 million this season, per Spotrac—but he's set to become a free agent at season's end, so it's a short-term, prorated financial investment for a contending club willing to give up a prospect or two for a likely rental acquisition.

The Indians have the most pressing need in center field among the trio of interested teams.

Cleveland ranks 29th in OPS from center fielders (.567) and has received just four homers from players occupying the position, per ESPN.com.

That said, the Tribe are third in runs scored this season, while Philly is 19th and San Francisco is 23rd, so all three teams are logical landing spots, albeit for different reasons.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado could be traded before he gets a chance to return to his team after the All-Star break, which could make Tuesday's All-Star Game the last time he represents the organization.

The 26-year-old had nothing but kind words to say about the only major league team he has known during a midgame interview.

"It was a tremendous honor to wear this uniform," Machado told Ken Rosenthal of Fox (via Luke Jones of WNST.net). "They gave me the opportunity to come up & play in the big leagues. ... If this is the last time, hopefully I treated them well & did everything I can for the organization."

Rosenthal reported Tuesday that a deal sending Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers is "happening."

The Orioles drafted the four-time All-Star in 2010, and he quickly moved through the organization, debuting in the majors by 2012 while helping the team reach the playoffs that year.

He has only gotten better over the next few years, finishing in the top 10 of MVP voting in three different seasons. He also earned two Gold Gloves during this stretch.

Now in the final year of team control before hitting free agency, Machado is putting up the best numbers of his career. In 96 games, the young player has 24 home runs, 65 RBI and a .315 batting average. His .963 OPS would also be a personal best.

However, Baltimore's struggles (28-69) made him an ideal trade candidate heading into the deadline.

While he has been a perfect ambassador for the Orioles throughout his career, the purposed trade could allow Machado to join a contender and potentially get to the World Series for the first time in his career.

Four-time All-Star shortstop Manny Machado reportedly will be traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Los Angeles Dodgers "barring a last minute snag," according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed the report during the All-Star Game. 

Jon Heyman of Fancred reported top Dodgers outfield prospect Yusniel Diaz is in the offer to the Orioles.

Machado confirmed he has seen the reports and thinks they are valid, but isn't certain, per Heyman. "It’ll be different. But different can be good."

Machado is enjoying the best year of his career. Through 96 games, he has a .575 slugging percentage, 24 home runs and 65 RBI.

Most Orioles fans likely resigned themselves to losing him. An MLB agent told Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci in April 2017 that both Machado and Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals could command contracts in excess of $400 million on the open market.

Chris Davis earned the biggest deal in Orioles history when he signed for seven years and $161 million in 2016. Even if Machado doesn't hit the $400 million mark, his next contract could more than double Baltimore's richest pact.

He is also set to hit free agency at what appears to be a transitional phase for the team. Adam Jones, Zach Britton and Brad Brach are all impending free agents, and the general feeling is Baltimore is headed for a painful rebuild, as evidenced by its 28-69 record.

Beyond the massive investment in Machado, ownership would have needed to commit more money to turn the team into a serious playoff contender in the top-heavy American League East. 

Baltimore kicked the can down the road for a while and tried to keep its window for contention open longer than was feasible. Consequently, the Orioles are one of the worst teams in baseball.

Ultimately, the franchise had little choice but to trade Machado before it lost him and received only a draft pick as compensation.

Machado turned 26 on July 6, so he's in the prime of his career and doesn't have a ton of red flags regarding his health, either. He suffered season-ending knee injuries in 2013 and 2014 but hasn't shown lingering effects. In the first three seasons after his second surgery, Machado missed 11 combined games and batted .280 with a .502 slugging percentage.

Additionally, Machado's underwhelming 2017 season (.259 AVG, .471 SLG) appears to be a blip.

The Dodgers were one of the most logical destinations for him. Even after various trades and MLB promotions, Los Angeles still has a solid minor league system from which it could put together a worthwhile package.

More importantly, the Dodgers had an immediate need on the left side of their infield after Corey Seager underwent Tommy John surgery in May. 

By adding Machado, Los Angeles can move Chris Taylor or Logan Forsythe to second base and get the retiring Chase Utley out of the starting lineup. Going from Utley to Machado will provide a much-needed injection of power to an offense that has struggled to recover from injuries to both Seager and Justin Turner this season. 

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly set to trade Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers "barring a last-minute snag," according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, though the deal "has not been finalized" and the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies "could still be in the mix."

That followed a report from Buster Olney of ESPN.com that the Orioles have "the structure of a deal in place" with an unknown team for Machado and "are working through specific aspects of a trade." Per that report, Baltimore was "going through medical records and other paperwork involved in the transaction" on Tuesday.

Jon Heyman of Fancred, meanwhile, previously reported the Dodgers were in the driver's seat in the Machado sweepstakes.

If Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado is going to be traded this season, he prefers it to be sooner rather than later. 

"Just get it over with already, go on and not answer these questions no more," he said when discussing the trade process, per Scott Lauber of the Philly Inquirer. Lauber noted Machado has no interest in having the rumors drag up to the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31.

Machado is an obvious trade candidate as that deadline approaches considering he is set for unrestricted free agency this offseason and his 28-69 Orioles are nowhere near contention at 39.5 games back of the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

Baltimore runs the significant risk of losing one of the best offensive players in the league without a favorable trade package to accelerate its rebuild in return if it doesn’t move him via trade.

Machado may get his wish to have the whole situation over with soon considering Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported a trade is expected to take place during the All-Star break and before the Orioles resume their season on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, "multiple teams" are still in contention to land Machado, including the New York Yankees.

While there is inherent risk involved in trading for the shortstop given his contract status and the fact whichever team lands him will be forced to part with pieces for a potential rental, he is an offensive force who would bolster any lineup heading into the stretch run and the postseason.

He will play in his fourth career All-Star Game on Tuesday and is slashing .315/.387/.575 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI. If he continues to produce at such a clip, he will eclipse his career-high totals of a .294 batting average and 96 RBI.

Which uniform he is wearing after the break remains to be seen, but Machado is apparently tired of waiting to find out.

By the time the All-Star break concludes, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado likely will be wearing a different uniform.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, "Machado will represent the Orioles in the All-Star Game....but he is expected to be traded before the regular season resumes later in the week, according to sources involved in the trade discussions."

There have been no shortage of Machado reports in recent days:

The Machado chase remains the most fascinating story in baseball because of his pending free agency.

How much will interested teams be willing to give up for a potential rental? Will Machado give extra consideration to re-signing with the team that trades for him, or is he simply going to seek the most lucrative offer and biggest market? If Machado's new team doesn't win the World Series, was it worth it to sacrifice prospects?

Those aren't easy questions for prospective suitors to answer. One thing is all but certain, however: Machado's time in Baltimore has come to a close.

During the Orioles' 6-5 win over the Texas Rangers on Sunday, Machado was removed from the game ahead of the fifth inning following a brief rain delay. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters field conditions played a part in the decision but alluded to a potential trade.

"Obviously, there's a different situation going on with Manny," he said, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. "You all know that. That had a lot to do with it. ... A month ago, he wouldn't have come out of the game. We know that. You know it. You're smart. I think you know what's going on."

The non-waiver trade deadline isn't until July 31, but it appears the Machado sweepstakes is nearing its end. By the time the regular season resumes, it seems likely the superstar shortstop will have finally been dealt.

Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado finds his name in the rumor mill on a daily basis as the July 31 trade deadline draws closer, but he only wants to talk about one thing.

No, not his future. Baseball.

Baltimore split a doubleheader—a 5-4 win in the first game followed by a 10-2 blowout loss in the nightcap—with the New York Yankees on Monday. The results were hardly what anyone wanted to talk to him about...and he wasn't having it.

"Talk to me about the game; talk to me about something useful. Not about rumors. ... I don't talk rumors," Machado told reporters. "I play baseball. We got our ass kicked today. Won the first game, lost the second game. I talk baseball. I'll talk baseball all you want."

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Monday the Yankees are showing "increased interest" in their American League East foe. But with Didi Gregorius cemented at shortstop, the Bronx Bombers would likely ask Machado to move back to third base.

Machado was also asked if he would shift back to third base if traded to a playoff contender, but he would only respond that he's a shortstop.

After being a two-time Gold Glover at third base, his defense has received criticism in his first year back at shortstop. He has eight errors in 2018, which gives him a total of 16 in 142 career games at the position. The Athletic's Eno Sarris even took an in-depth look at the position change recently, noting that looks can be deceiving at first glance.

Despite any struggles in the field, the 26-year-old continues to swing a hot bat. He is hitting .309/.379/.555 with 21 home runs, 20 doubles and 60 RBI.

If Machado is unwilling to return to third this season to help facilitate a trade, his market becomes more limited. Teams such as the Yankees and Cleveland Indians (Francisco Lindor) would have to drop out of the sweepstakes.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly the most aggressive suitors in trade talks for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado.

On Sunday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the Cleveland Indians are also involved in discussions with the O's ahead of the July 31 MLB non-waiver trade deadline.

Machado is putting together a monster 2018 season for the Orioles. He's posted a .310/.380/.557 triple-slash line with 21 home runs and seven stolen bases in 87 games. His .937 OPS ranks 10th in the majors among qualified hitters.

The 26-year-old Florida native's success comes at an ideal time as his contract expires at season's end, making him a free agent if he doesn't sign a new contract before the offseason.

His contract status leaves the Orioles in a tough spot, especially because the three-time All-Star selection expressed serious doubt Thursday about re-signing with the organization.

"At this point, I'm very doubtful," Machado told MASN's Gary Thorne about staying in Baltimore.

That remark came one day after Machado said he'd prefer to play for a championship contender.

"Do I want to go to the playoffs? Yeah," he told reporters. "Do I want to win a ring? Of course I do. Those are all things every baseball player wants, so for me to go somewhere and help out a team, I don't know if it'll be here or it'll be somewhere else, but I'm going to do everything in my power to help the team out."

The Orioles, who own MLB's worst record at 24-64, are nowhere close to title contention.

Los Angeles, Milwaukee and Cleveland are all in the World Series conversation. Moving to one of those clubs would give Machado his wish, though it's unclear whether he'd engage in long-term contract discussions following a potential trade.

Baltimore's front office needs to generate as much competition as possible since the shortstop's contract and comments about his future otherwise limit its leverage in talks.