It had been expected for some time, but it finally happened in early morning hours Thursday.  Baltimore Orioles infielder Manny Machado was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for 5 prospects.

Included in the deal: outfielder Yusniel Diaz, right-hander Dean Kremer, third baseman Rylan Bannon, righty Zach Pop, and third baseman Breyvic Valera.

Machado is expected to make his Dodgers debut Friday night in Milwaukee, when they open a series versus the Brewers.

The Dodgers are currently in first place in the National League Western division.  But the lead is slim, sitting at only a half-game over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Machado's contract expires at the end of this season.  Baltimore, in last place in the American League Eastern Division, was not going to be able to pay Manny for a multiyear deal.

Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi would not comment on if Los Angeles would make Machado an offer for a long-term contract.

Machado is having the best first half of a season in his career offensively in 2018, including home runs (23), RBIs (64), OBP (.384) and OPS (.950).

When it comes to the prospects, Diaz is the key part of that trade.  Kremer has been solid in Double A.  And Bannon, Pop & Valera have spent time in Double & Single A level baseball this year.

 

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