Manny Machado is Ready to be MVP
It’s ironic that the last place Baltimore Orioles could have their first AL MVP since Cal Ripken won it in 1991. In addition, the MVP award could be won by Manny Machado, who may not be wearing an Orioles uniform by the July 31st trade deadline. However, Machado is among the league’s top power hitters and is only 25-years old. It is difficult to say where Machado will end up by the trade deadline, but it’s clear that teams will be clamoring for his services as we get closer to the All-Star break.
Manny Machado said of his close friend in Chicago, Albert Almora Jr.: "When we're playing in his backyard growing up, we've always dreamed about playing together someday in the big leagues, put on the same big league uniform, be on the same field, win a World Series together."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 21, 2018
This season, Machado is hitting with a .328 batting average (8th), 16 home runs (5th) and 44 RBI’s (1st). There was a time when analysts stated he would never hit more than 30 home runs in a season, when he came up from the Bowie BaySox in 2012, he already had 3 seasons with more than 30 home runs.
On the defensive end, Machado is one of the top ten shortstops in the American League, and second in putouts at his new position. With versatility at 3B and SS, Machado is emerging as one of the best infielders of his generation.
CRUSHED. No.15 for Manny Machado
via @MLB pic.twitter.com/uBHCdfenU6
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 22, 2018
MVP’s are rarely awarded to players on cellar dwelling teams, and competing against Mookie Betts (BOS) and former AL MVP Mike Trout (LA) will not be an easy feat. If Manny Machado is going to win the MVP, it will be because of a trade to a squad that is on the brink of breaking through, but in need of that one piece to make a quality postseason run.
David Tulis/UPI
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