Two teams spent the All-Star break improving their already contending teams with trades to lift a position that has been a problem for them. The main one that had everyone talking during the All-Star Game at Nationals Park on Tuesday night involved Manny Machado. It was no secret that he was going to be on the move at some point this season, and the Baltimore Orioles found their spot to deal him. They sent the star shortstop to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a package of five prospects.
The group of prospects included outfielder Yusniel Diaz, pitcher Dean Kremer, third baseman Rylan Bannon, pitcher Zach Pop, and third baseman Breyvic Valera. The deal had been talked about since Sunday night, but did not become official until Wednesday night, just one day after Machado played his final game in the Orioles uniform on the American League All-Star team.
The 26-year-old was introduced by the Dodgers before Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he did make his team debut. The shortstop's contract does expire at the end of this season, but he called it a "dream come true" to play for the Dodgers, which may give Los Angeles the edge in locking him up in the off-season. Machado will wear No. 8 in honor of his favorite basketball player from the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant.
This is the best season for the All-Star to put up career numbers, which he is with 24 home runs, 65 RBIs, a .387 on-base percentage, and .962 OPS in the first half of the season. He started at shortstop for the American League on Tuesday in his first full season at that position. There is no doubt that the Dodgers will keep him there with Corey Seager done for the year. The long-time Oriole will look to help the Dodgers, who hold a half-game lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West.
The Cleveland Indians' trade was not nearly as sexy, but they did improve a much-needed position for them in their bullpen. The Tribe acquired All-Star closer Brad Hand, along with reliever Adam Climber, from the San Diego Padres for switch-hitting catching prospect Francisco Mejia.
The Indians' bullpen has struggled, especially with the recent injury to Andrew Miller, as they hold an ERA of 5.82. The trade to improve the back-end of their bullpen was made official on Thursday night, as both hurlers were expected to join the team on Friday night against the Texas Rangers. The Cleveland Indians lost key relievers Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith in free agency, but still hold a 7.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
The group of prospects included outfielder Yusniel Diaz, pitcher Dean Kremer, third baseman Rylan Bannon, pitcher Zach Pop, and third baseman Breyvic Valera. The deal had been talked about since Sunday night, but did not become official until Wednesday night, just one day after Machado played his final game in the Orioles uniform on the American League All-Star team.
The 26-year-old was introduced by the Dodgers before Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, where he did make his team debut. The shortstop's contract does expire at the end of this season, but he called it a "dream come true" to play for the Dodgers, which may give Los Angeles the edge in locking him up in the off-season. Machado will wear No. 8 in honor of his favorite basketball player from the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant.
This is the best season for the All-Star to put up career numbers, which he is with 24 home runs, 65 RBIs, a .387 on-base percentage, and .962 OPS in the first half of the season. He started at shortstop for the American League on Tuesday in his first full season at that position. There is no doubt that the Dodgers will keep him there with Corey Seager done for the year. The long-time Oriole will look to help the Dodgers, who hold a half-game lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West.
The Cleveland Indians' trade was not nearly as sexy, but they did improve a much-needed position for them in their bullpen. The Tribe acquired All-Star closer Brad Hand, along with reliever Adam Climber, from the San Diego Padres for switch-hitting catching prospect Francisco Mejia.
The Indians' bullpen has struggled, especially with the recent injury to Andrew Miller, as they hold an ERA of 5.82. The trade to improve the back-end of their bullpen was made official on Thursday night, as both hurlers were expected to join the team on Friday night against the Texas Rangers. The Cleveland Indians lost key relievers Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith in free agency, but still hold a 7.5-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
