Jon Heyman: Brewers "aggressive" for Machado, move up leaderboard for slugger

The Brewers are said to be "aggressive" in the Manny Machado trade derby and may be joining the Phillies and perhaps one or two others atop the current leaderboard.

One source close to the situation said of the Brewers: "They are putting in a good effort."

The Brewers are said to have been a "consistent" pursuer of Machado, but may have stepped things up in recent days thanks to some injuries and a rare mini-slump; they have lost four straight to fall a half-game behind the Cubs for the best record in the National League and the NL Central.

The Brewers have always been a good fit for Machado, as we wrote here, especially since talented young shortstop Orlando Arcia has been sent to the minors after struggling at the MLB level. Recent addition Brad Miller and rookie Nate Off have been handling shortstop duties as Arcia works to regain his form.

Brewers general manager David Stearns has flown to watch Milwaukee's  Double-A team at Biloxi, Miss., which contains several top prospects, such as second baseman Keston Hiura, third baseman Lucas Erceg, outfielder Corey Ray and several pitchers.

The Phillies have also been said to be "aggressive," while the Dodgers, Yankees, Diamondbacks and Indians are said to be the other contenders for Machado. Of those teams, it appears at least the Yankees have been reluctant to include the top prospects in their minor league system. New York's need may be less pressing because they have Didi Gregorius at shortstop and Miguel Andujar at third base.

Machado has made clear he wants to stay at shortstop, which is where he'd play for either Milwaukee or Philadelphia, should they acquire him.