Report: Phillies Leaving Door Open for Machado Deal

The Phillies may end up being quite involved on the trade market ahead of the non-waiver deadline on July 31, but for now, with a team near the top of the standings, you can expect to hear Orioles star shortstop Manny Machado's name attached to the team.

According to Roch Kubatko of MASN.com, the two teams have at least had recent discussions during the teams four game set in Baltimore.

According to industry sources, the Phillies left open the possibility of engaging in talks while they were in Baltimore earlier this month

The question is what would the Phillies have to give up to acquire the 25-year-old three-time All-Star and MVP candidate, and would they be willing to break the bank to bring him into the fold at the trade deadline with the team near the top of the standings.

Kubatko notes that players haven't been discussed at this time, and that the Orioles haven't even said Machado is available in a trade.

It makes for good copy, but I’ll repeat this morning that the Orioles aren’t anywhere close to moving Machado. They aren’t actively shopping him. They’re just taking calls, which seems like an obvious reaction to a ringing cell phone.

So what might the Phillies have to give up?

Well with Machado hitting .335 15 home runs and 44 RBIs in 50 games, leading the majors in RBIs and tied for second in home runs, expect big names to be mentioned.

Sixto Sanchez, Scott Kingery, J.P. Crawford and pitchers Cole Irvin and Enyel De Los Santos and Franklyn Kilome could all be part of the discussion.

The Phillies have outfield depth, pitching depth and young players, but should they part with any of that for what could be a two-month rental?  Machado will be a free-agent at the end of the season, and many think the Phillies have a shot to land him in the offseason - so why trade any valuable pieces for him now?

For a shot to win it all this season.

Are they good enough to that?

With Manny Machado they are.