By Jordan Long
L.A. Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado is headed to free agency. He will be one of the top names in free agency. Machado knows he is looking for a new home and game 5 of the World Series might have been his last in a Dodgers’ uniform.
The Dodgers acquired Machado on July 18th. They had a need at shortstop since Corey Seager was out due to Tommy John surgery on his elbow which occurred on April 30th. The Dodgers knew Machado would help this team because of his offense and defense.
Machado appeared in 66 games for the Dodgers. He hit .273 with 13 home runs in a Dodgers’ uniform. Machado smacked the ball for base hits and, if he had a teammate in scoring position, he would score him. He ended up with 42 RBI’s. When Machado was on base, he was a threat to steal. Pitchers had to keep an eye out for that. Machado took advantage and stole 14 bases as a member of the Dodgers and was only caught 2 times. On defense Machado started 19 double plays. He made 4 errors in 51 games. Those numbers helped the Dodgers win the National League West Division.
In the playoffs, a player wants to perform. Machado hit .227 and added 3 home runs. He was able to move his teammates around the base paths and totaled 12 RBI’s. Those numbers are part of the reason the Dodgers went to the World Series for the second consecutive year.
Machado is now looking for a new home. It is still possible he could stay in L.A. The Dodgers don’t know how healthy their regular shortstop Corey Seager will be. Of course, if Seager is back to 100% the Dodgers will move on.
Machado is looking for a large contract offer. The Dodgers may have to stay away because it could be expensive. A team will pay for him but it’s just a matter of which one.
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