A little over a year from now, could the Giants make a realistic play to sign Manny Machado, and would it be a wise move?

Machado is the other big name headlining that blockbuster of a free agency class in the 2018-19 offseason. Coming into this season some sources were speculating he would land a contract as big as what Harper is projected to get. He's having a down year in 2017 batting .237/.308/.439 for a .748 OPS and 18 HR's, so who knows how that'll impact the money he gets but I imagine he'll still receive a big contract.

Assuming his slump doesn't stretch into next season, and assuming the Giants never resolve 3B in a satisfactory way (maybe they trade Nuñez and don't sign him back, maybe it's decided Hwang is better used as a bench player, etc), should the Giants try to compete with the other big payroll teams and sign him?

I realize Arroyo is supposed to be the heir apparent at 3B, I don't question his defensive prowess but his offense still needs development. Wouldn't it be prudent to sign a proven commodity like Machado on the off chance that Arroyo doesn't pan out how we hope? Especially since Machado will only be 26 at the time of his free agency?

I know Belt and Crawford's salaries will go up a bit next year, and Bum's due for an extension that'll take up a lot more payroll, but we also will likely be saying goodbye to Pence's $18MM/year and Cain's $21MM/year salaries between the end of this season and the end of next season. So at worst it offsets those pay increases, at best we can (and should) have some space to make a splash and sign Machado.

What do you guys think? Am I missing something? I know that kind of move doesn't address the outfield needs we have, but 3B may not necessarily be locked down either if/when Nuñez goes.