The Long Shadow of MLB's Next Free-Agent Class

When the Los Angeles Dodgers announced in late April that the all-star shortstop Corey Seager would undergo elbow surgery and miss the rest of the season, it seemed to be a critical blow to the team’s World Series hopes. Losing Seager meant losing a five-tool player who excelled consistently at the game’s most important position. He’d be difficult, if not impossible, to replace.

But almost immediately, fans and media members came up with a near-perfect solution: The Dodgers should trade for Manny Machado. The shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles, Machado is also one of the game’s top players, with the same type of well-rounded skillset that makes Seager invaluable. And he’d surely be available at the right price, given that he stands to hit free agency next winter and the, adding Machado might push the Dodgers over the luxury-tax threshold, which could hinder their ability to chase other big-money stars this offseason.