PHILADELPHIA -- Manny Machado answered questions Wednesday, unsure of what team he'll be suiting up for when the calendar turns to August. But he was aware the team in the opposing clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park could make a push for him over the next four weeks.
The Phillies could make a splash by acquiring the three-time All-Star from the Orioles before the non-waiver Trade Deadline on July 31. It would be a daring move by a franchise trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
The Phillies have played their way into being buyers at the Deadline. The club entered Wednesday's matchup nine games over .500 at 46-37 and just 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Braves in the National League East.
Machado has noticed the success.
"They're a good ballclub. They're young, they're hungry, they want to win," Machado said of the Phillies. "They've been impressive."
Machado added that he would not be surprised if the Phillies were aggressive in trying to land him.
"I know how [Phillies president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail] works," Machado said. "I've seen those guys work, and they've turned this organization around."
Some Phillies fans dream of seeing Machado -- who said he did not know much about Philadelphia other than its cheesesteaks -- in red pinstripes. Those dreams might have a better chance of becoming a reality in 2019.
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reported the Phillies are "longshots" to trade for Machado, who turns 26 on Friday. Philadelphia is more likely to go after trade targets with a lower price tag this month, then target Machado when he becomes a free agent this offseason, according to Zolecki.
The Orioles are bound to get a lot in return if they trade their star infielder.
Machado is in the middle of the best season of his career, statistically speaking. He entered Wednesday's game with a .311/.378/.565 slash line, is on pace for a career-high in homers and was the American League's leader at shortstop in All-Star voting.
Machado went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk as the Orioles opened a two-game set at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday night. There were even a few, faint "We want Manny!" chants in the stands. It's a sentiment shared by a lot of fan bases and front offices right now.
"Do I want to play for a contending team? Yeah. Do I want to go to the playoffs? Yeah. Do I want to win a ring? Of course I do," Machado said.