- The Washington Times - Monday, July 16, 2018

When Manny Machado “liked” an Instagram post of himself photoshopped in a New York Yankees uniform last week, a New York tabloid reacted in an unsurprising fashion. The headline, “HE ’LIKES’ NEW YORK,” was splattered across the back page of the New York Daily News — with a mocked-up image of the Baltimore Orioles shortstop wearing pinstripes.

But, Machado said, the “like” was an accident. A finger slip as he was scrolling.

“I’ve liked a bunch of them, honestly,” Machado said Monday. “I’ve seen myself in Dodgers. Milwaukee. Phillies. I mean, it’s been going on since — what? —the Winter Meetings. Sometime in December. It’s been going on forever.”

Ahead of Tuesday’s All-Star Game, Machado — specifically, where Machado will be traded? — is MLB’s biggest storyline.

With the Orioles sporting a historically bad 28-69 record and Machado in the last year of his contract, it’s almost a certainty the 26-year-old will be moved before the league’s July 31 trade deadline. On Sunday, he was pulled from a game after a rain delay as a precaution.

At Monday’s media availability, Machado spent most of his time addressing questions about his future.

“I’m a baseball player, so I like turning on the TV and watch the highlights around the league, but at the same time, I just keep hearing trade rumors and hearing different things,” Machado said. “I’m just trying not to think about it. I can’t control it, at the end of the day.”

Machado said he would prefer to stay in Baltimore if he could, but added he knows that’s not realistic. Playoff hopefuls and contenders are vying to add Machado, who is hitting .315 with 24 home runs and 65 RBIs this season.

The Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians and the Atlanta Braves have made offers for Machado, the Baltimore Sun reported. The Yankees, Phillies and Brewers are believed to be the front-runners.

Machado said he doesn’t have a preference on a destination, though he would like to continue to playing shortstop. This season, the Orioles granted Machado’s request to return to his childhood position.

“Just going out there, you’re just in control of the game,” Machado said in regards to playing shortstop. “You have the best view of the field. You see what pitch is coming, react to it. You’re involved in every play. You’re just more involved in everything.”

Machado said the toughest part of being traded will be saying goodbye to his teammates. He’s not looking forward to moving to a new city, joking he’s bad with names.

The team that ultimately ends up trading for Machado, however, will have a head-start in trying to impress Machado until his free agency. This winter, Machado will be one of the league’s most coveted free agents — along with Nationals star Bryce Harper.

“They’ll have the upper-hand, for sure,” he said of his next team.

But the sooner he gets traded, the better. Subject to trade rumors for more than a year, Machado said, “It’s the worst.”

“You just don’t know what’s going to happen,” Machado said. “This game is already as hard as it is. To go out there and not know where you’re going to be tomorrow, it’s kind of tough.”

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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