Throughout much of the season, the Chicago Cubs were one of the teams most linked to Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado. Now one of the league’s favorites in the National League, they may no longer be interested in him.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Chicago is no longer pursuing the All-Star shortstop. In fact, Chicago’s front office has played things extremely quietly, barely making a ripple in the trade market.
It’s an interesting decision by Chicago given the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the N.L. Central, have recently expressed interest in Baltimore’s shortstop.
From the Cubs’ perspective, there is reason to understand their cooling interest in Machado. Shortstop Addison Russell provides outstanding defense and has a .305/.368/.457 slash line since June 1 with 18 RBI and 17 runs scored.
Now with its eyes off Machado, Chicago could focus on adding to its bullpen or targeting a starting pitcher with Tyler Chatwood struggling and You Darvish on the disabled list.