Rumors have been floating around that several MLB teams have been in pursuit of Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado, but it appears that the Los Angeles Dodgers have won the sweepstakes.

The 2018 MLB All-Star Game will be the last time that Machado puts on the Orioles uniform after reports surfaced during the game that he had been dealt to the Dodgers. He could see the writing on the wall, and when he was asked about how he felt representing Baltimore for the last time, to which he responded, “Amazing. Through the roof. It was a tremendous honor to wear this uniform. They gave me the opportunity to come up and play in the big leagues. That’s everyone’s dream, and they gave me that. They gave me the opportunity to play shortstop again. The organization has done everything, so if this is the last time, hopefully I treated them well and did everything I can for the organization.”

Manny had no idea where he was going when the festivities began, but it seems like things became more clear to him after he was spotted talking to fellow All-Star Matt Kemp, who is now his teammate.

Even Manny Machado doesn't know where he's going next

*NSFW*

(via @JDMartinez14/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/RxIub9PIxJ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2018

What are Manny Machado & Matt Kemp talking about? pic.twitter.com/Q8Z8yoTm7X

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 17, 2018

This is a major win for the Dodgers. With only a half-game lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West, this acquisition will likely be the difference maker as the two teams battle it out for a playoff spot. Machado is one of the best hitters in the game and is enjoying a career year. So far this season, he is batting .315 with 24 home runs and 64 RBIs through only 96 games.

Machado is a five-tool player and is always a threat to hit a long ball. He has hit over 33 home runs in the last three years of his career and is on track to do so in 2018 as well.

Every home run of Manny Machado's Orioles career: pic.twitter.com/Exb0tpDj4q

— BMOREcenter (@BMOREcenter) July 18, 2018

As expected, receiving a 4-time All-Star and 2-time Gold Glover in a trade won’t come cheap. Sources say that Yusniel Diaz, a top prospect in the Dodger organization, will be included in this deal.

Machado is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, so it’s unclear what his intentions are long-term after being dealt to Los Angeles. Rental or not, Manny Machado may be the player the Dodgers need to put them over the hump from pretender to contender.

Featured Image Via Flickr/Keith Allison

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