The Dodgers Should Not Attempt to Re-Sign Manny Machado

The Dodgers saw themselves lose their second straight World Series when Manny Machado struck out against Chris Sale to end Game 5. The Dodgers stumbled back into their locker room after the game, only to get ready to take on the task of winning it all next season. After all, third time’s a charm.

Going into the offseason, there is a star-studded free-agent class and luckily with the Dodgers financial situation, they are able to afford anyone on it. Names like Harper and LeMahieu come up, but what about the shortstop that helped lead the boys in blue back to the October Classic?

The Dodgers acquired Machado in mid-July to replace All-Star shortstop, Corey Seager, who had been sidelined for the year with Tommy-John surgery. Machado, who started the All-Star Game on the AL side, picked up where he left off in Baltimore and continued his great season in L.A.

Come the postseason, Machado struggled and failed to hustle on certain plays. One was a shot off the wall that Machado thought was a home run but ended up with a single. He also had some questionable plays in the postseason, which included stepping on Jesus Aguilar’s foot during a routine groundball.

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The Dodgers do not need a player of his nature on the team. Machado is a gifted ballplayer, but the attitude he carries with being a star is not up to par. With Seager coming back from injury this upcoming season, Machado is not needed on the Dodgers any longer.

Comparing both Seager and Machado, Seager is a younger product with a career .302 batting average while Machado wields a  career .282 average. Although Machado might drive in more runs and blast more home runs, Seager has developed into a humble leader in Los Angeles who leads by example. Seager is slightly better in the postseason, and with the Dodgers winning the NL West six straight years, it makes sense that they should be more geared up for playoff production.

Machado proved that he is not a fit for the culture of baseball played in Los Angeles. His lack of hustle and controversial shenanigans have made him look like a fool on the field. The Dodgers should look past his name this offseason and go after better and more respectable players to add to the clubhouse in hopes of winning their first World Series in over 30 years.

It will be exciting to watch Seager take the field once again in the spring to take back over his rightful spot on the team. He always plays focused on the game and his disciplined attitude will resonate in the clubhouse once again. Machado was an acceptable fit for half a season, but in the long run, Seager is L.A.’s man. He will give the Dodgers the best shot at reaching their end goal to hoist up the Commissioner’s Trophy.