Feb 20, 2023 | 6:30 AM EST
Manny Machado has upended the San Diego Padres world once again. The star third baseman has played an important part in bringing success to the Friars ever since his massive contract in 2019. With the richest deal in North American sports at the time, Machado signed at $300 million for 10 years. But amid reports of free agency, the third baseman has apparently put up a higher number for next season.
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The 30-year-old announced that he will be opting out of his contract with the Padres after 2023. It will come as a tremendous loss to the San Diego clubhouse, which already has outfielder Juan Soto out of contract in 2024. Although recent signee Xander Bogaerts is being counted on to pull the team forward, losing Machado could prove to be disastrous. Should the deep-pocketed Padres give in to his new demands?
Manny Machado is seeking a 10-year, $400 million contract
According to Talkin’ Baseball on Twitter, the Padres shortstop wants to extend his $300 million to 400. It’s no secret that the Padres love to spend money if they can get them a skillful player. Among one of the highest-paying MLB teams, the Friars have previously offered Machado an extra 5 years and $105 million. But there has been no confirmation on either side just yet.
Some Machado fans really want him to stay on with the Padres, while some think he would be an asset to other teams once he hits free agency. Always among one of the highest-recruited players, Machado will no doubt have teams lined up to offer him contracts.
There is a 0% chance he gets this
— CB Cards (@CBCards6) February 19, 2023
Key word is ‘seeking.’ What you want and what you get are usually different.
— Blair Farthing (@CTVBlair) February 19, 2023
What a clown. Padres will be trading Machado at the deadline.
— Tim McDevitt (@TMcDevitt11) February 19, 2023
Time to breakout the Venmo’s again @PlayoffTanaka_
— Prince of Potassium Joey (@DJLeMVP) February 19, 2023
The Padres should just do a $400M payroll with their RSN in bankruptcy. What could go wrong? 😂
— Warren (@swd2) February 19, 2023
guy thinks he’s worth 40 mill a year
— hotlanta choppa (@McentyreConner) February 19, 2023
Machado wasn’t even worth the contract he is on now, let alone 10yr 400m
— Nate Aufenkamp (@HollywoodAufie) February 20, 2023
Since the Padres offered to sign Yankees captain Aaron Judge during his free agency period last year, some think the Friars could have done better with Judge than Machado.
What does the future hold in light of the Padres-Machado saga?
The difference of $145 million is where the team and their shortstop are stuck at. Since the Padres have made no move to accept Machado’s counteroffer just yet, it’s uncertain what 2024 will look like. Machado certainly wants to leave.
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“There’s a lot of money out there…It’s about business. These are things that happen. The market has changed from when I signed five years ago…Things change and evolve. And as a player that’s about to opt out, it’s pretty good to see,” the third baseman commented.
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What do you think of these recent developments? Is Machado worth the Padres’ time or would he do better elsewhere?