Dodgers: Should the Dodgers Try to Keep Manny Machado?

Now that the regular 162 game season is almost at an end, it is time to look at Manny Machado’s tenure as a Dodger. Is it worth bringing Manny back next season?

LA Dodgers traded for Manny Machado mid-season at the trade deadline during the all-star break around July 18. Every team knew to trade for Machado would result in a rental for the rest of the year. However, Dodgers were lucky enough to give up the assets Baltimore wanted, and take the risk.

Now the Dodgers have one of the top hitters in the major league and are expecting a late playoff push. Yet, Manny has played only very close to his expectations; as a reminder, his expectations have no ceiling for the top-caliber player he is. So far these last couple of months as a Dodger, has Machado produced well enough to bring him back next year?

Machado had batted .274 with nine home runs, 24 RBIs and a 0.829 OPS in 47 games as a Dodger; according to Bill Plunket of Los Angeles Daily Times. Of course, these are great numbers, for only seven or eight weeks with a new team. However, his batting average is falling off slightly, and that is what really stands out.

Manager Dave Roberts had this to say about acquiring Manny Machado and how well he has played this year.

"Well, we’ve said it from the beginning – you get a marquee player like Manny, there are certain expectations he has for himself, that people have for him. I think for me right now he knows that there’s more in there. We know it. There’s still a lot of baseball left to be played and he’s helped us win a lot of baseball games.More from LA Dodgers NewsGiants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely ownDave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate DodgersFormer Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs dealDodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should beRecapping who Dodgers gained and lost in Rule 5 Draft"

Manny is the type of player who should not let the pressure get to him, whether that is playing for a new contract, or at a different park. It is no doubt free agency is on both Machado’s and the Dodgers’ minds, which has been talked about all year. Free agency expectations are an impact, even if players do not admit to it.

Also, not to forget that playing at Dodger stadium is not as friendly as, playing in Oriole Park at Camden Yard. The change of scenery, in often cases impacts players and the game, and this should not be a surprise. These type of expectations take time, or at least a fresh start with a clean record heading into the real full stint with a new team.

Bottom line, when giving an opportunity to land a player like Manny Machado, it is always worth bringing them back and paying the big bucks. Even if his defense has been a struggle as of late, that does not change that he is still a very dangerous hitter in any lineup.

Fine tuning the pitching rotation, and more importantly the bullpen should take away all focus on Manny’s woes at shortstop. When taken care of, keeping Machado on board with this heavy hitting lineup is the right thing to do for LA. Any price is worth re-signing Manny Machado to the Dodgers.