The D-backs may be homing in on Manny Machado.
According to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, trade conversations about Machado between Arizona and Baltimore have been "consistent," and the Braves have shown interest but are more focused on controllable relievers. The D-backs and Indians might be the most motivated suitors in Machado talks, MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal notes.
The Orioles' star shortstop is set to be become a free agent at the end of the season, and the D-backs could bring Machado aboard in place of the more defense-oriented Nick Ahmed. Ahmed is batting .223 with an OPS of .694, 33 RBIs and 10 home runs.
This is the second time they've shown interest in Machado, and as Mike Petriello wrote for MLB.com, there is good reason to believe that the D-backs are the best fit for Machado. The D-backs have the second-oldest lineup in the National League, as well as the third-oldest pitching staff, and are in need of a spark of youth.
The 25-year-old Machado could bring a hot bat to a D-backs team that ranks last in batting average in the NL, yet leads its division by two games over the Dodgers. The shortstop is slashing .311/.378/.565 with a .944 OPS, 21 homers and 59 RBIs. Los Angeles is on the upswing, and Arizona still needs a jolt to help secure a spot in the postseason.
Arizona headliners Patrick Corbin and A.J. Pollock are in their final season of their contracts, while Paul Goldschmidt can be a free agent after 2019.
Morosi notes that the O's have interest in D-backs right-handed pitching prospect Jon Duplantier, who ranks No. 1 in Arizona's farm system and No. 60 overall per MLB Pipeline. While he features an impressive 2.52 ERA and 10.3 K/9 mark at Double-A, Duplantier has been out since late May with biceps tendinitis, which could complicate discussions.

Many clubs -- like the Phillies, Dodgers, Indians and Cubs -- remain in the mix for Machado as Major League Baseball's July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches.