Manny Machado Trade Rumors: SS Expected to Be Dealt Before End of All-Star Break

By the time the All-Star break concludes, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado likely will be wearing a different uniform.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, "Machado will represent the Orioles in the All-Star Game....but he is expected to be traded before the regular season resumes later in the week, according to sources involved in the trade discussions."

There have been no shortage of Machado reports in recent days:

The Machado chase remains the most fascinating story in baseball because of his pending free agency.

How much will interested teams be willing to give up for a potential rental? Will Machado give extra consideration to re-signing with the team that trades for him, or is he simply going to seek the most lucrative offer and biggest market? If Machado's new team doesn't win the World Series, was it worth it to sacrifice prospects?

Those aren't easy questions for prospective suitors to answer. One thing is all but certain, however: Machado's time in Baltimore has come to a close.

During the Orioles' 6-5 win over the Texas Rangers on Sunday, Machado was removed from the game ahead of the fifth inning following a brief rain delay. Manager Buck Showalter told reporters field conditions played a part in the decision but alluded to a potential trade.

"Obviously, there's a different situation going on with Manny," he said, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. "You all know that. That had a lot to do with it. ... A month ago, he wouldn't have come out of the game. We know that. You know it. You're smart. I think you know what's going on."

The non-waiver trade deadline isn't until July 31, but it appears the Machado sweepstakes is nearing its end. By the time the regular season resumes, it seems likely the superstar shortstop will have finally been dealt.