The Orioles all-star was traded to the Dodgers over the All-Star Break.
Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said on Friday the Phillies made a pretty good run at Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado before the four-time all-star was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday.
Talking before the Phillies began the second half with a home game against the San Diego Padres, Klentak said “we made a pretty good run at it.”
Klentak added he doesn’t necessarily believe that going after a high-priced pending free agent is sound strategy, but the Phillies were willing to go outside the box in an effort to land the top hitter on the market.
Machado was traded to the Dodgers for prospects Yusniel Diaz, Rylan Bannan, Dean Kremer, Zach Pop and Breyvic Valera.
“In this particular case, this player represented a pretty unique opportunity for us and that’s why we did get aggressive,” said Klentak. “There was a lot of discussion about whether that was the right thing to do, where we are as a franchise. We felt strong about staying involved in that mix and putting forth a good effort.
“The dialogue throughout was pretty fluid. I felt we knew what they were looking for and they knew what we were willing to give up. A month ago I don’t think I would have projected going as far as we did. The talent we were willing to surrender was very real.”
The Phillies could be involved with Machado in the offseason. He will be one of the top targets at just 26 years old and the cost will be mostly in dollars.
The Dodgers have a young shortstop in Corey Seager who is out for the year, leaving it possible they don’t go all-in to re-sign Machado.
Asked if obtaining an impending free agent mid-year gives a club a better chance at retaining the player on a longer contract, Klentak said he didn’t believe that to be the case.
“I think money, years and dollars, competitiveness of the team and makeup of the clubhouse are driving factors,” said Klentak. “It’s possible (having a player in the fold gives a team an upper hand) is true, but there’s a pretty good chance it’s not true.”
Prior to the All-Star Game, media reports seemed to indicate the Phillies were the front-runners for Machado, but Klentak said he never had a feel where the Phillies stood.
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said he followed the developments but wasn’t disappointed the slugger didn’t end up in a Phillies uniform.
“We have everything we need,” said Klentak. “If we make additions fantastic, but we’re in first place for a reason.”
Klentak said it’s still very possible the Phillies make a deal before the July 31 non-waive trade deadline but noted improved play over the last few weeks might have changed the wish list.
“We’ve had the best bullpen in baseball in July and it will be getting Luis Garcia and Hector Neris back at some point,” said Klentak. “Six of our eight starters are producing above the league average and I don’t think it’s a mirage.
“I think on July 1 we could say we could upgrade here and here. Now, I’m not sure that’s as clear.”
Machado and the Dodgers will be in town for a three-game series starting Monday.
Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports.