Did Manny Machado just say goodbye to the Dodgers?
Machado sent a thank you message to the Dodgers and their fans on Instagram on Wednesday, which likely is a sign the free-agent shortstop isn’t returning to Los Angeles.
“I’d like to thank the Los Angeles Dodgers organization for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for a World Series title,” Machado wrote. “Wearing that iconic Dodger Blue everyday was truly an honor. … Thank you to the Dodgers staff and front office for welcoming me and my wife with open arms from day one.”
Machado also expressed gratitude to the fans.
“Thank you for making my experience as a Dodger, one I will cherish forever,” he wrote. “I know we didn’t achieve our goal of bringing a championship back to Chavez Ravine, but there is no doubt in my mind that with this group of guys a World Series Title is on the horizon.”
In 66 regular-season games with the Dodgers, Machado hit .273 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs, but he struggled against the Red Sox in his first World Series, going 4-for-22.
Of greater concern to possible suitors like the Yankees are Machado’s actions and words during the postseason. He didn’t run on more than one occasion — including in the World Series — and then admitted he wasn’t the kind of player who hustled consistently.
On top of that, Machado was accused of being a dirty player by the Brewers’ Christian Yelich after he appeared to intentionally spike Jesus Aguilar at first base during the NLCS. He pulled a similar move with Steve Pearce during the World Series.
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