The San Diego Padres have geared up for a title run, and they might even compete with the Los Angeles Dodges for the top spot in the National League West. Though, the Padres third baseman Manny Machado plans on excercising the opt-out clause in his contract following the 2023 season.
Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres in February 2019, a deal that gives him the right to terminate the contract after this season and become a free agent. The six-time all-star who turns 31 in July, will forfeit the remaining $150 million on that contract if he opts out. He’s making $30 million annually through 2028.
“Obviously the team knows where I stand, my situation with the opt-out coming,”Machado told reporters Friday at the Padres’ spring-training camp in Peoria, Arizona. “I think I’ve expressed that I will be opting out after this year, but I think my focus is not about 2024. I think my focus is about 2023, what I can do to this ballclub, what I’ve done for this organization and what we’re going to continue to do here. I think we’ve got something special here growing and I don’t think anything’s going to change.”
At the time the contract was signed it was the second largest contract in the MLB. Only behind Giancarlo Stanton‘s $325 million deal. Now, the contract is tied for the 11th largest deal. This offseason it was topped by AL MVP Aaron Judge’s $360 million, nine-year contract to stay with the New York Yankees. The Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout tops the major leagues at $426.5 million.
“Markets change,” Machado said. “From when I signed five years ago. It’s changed tremendously. Things change and evolve. As a player who’s about to opt out, it’s pretty good to see.”
Machado is coming off of a season, in which he finished second in NL MVP voting. He batted .298 with 32 homers, 102 RBIs, a .366 on-base percentage and a .531 slugging percentage. Though, in his four years so far, he has helped the resurgence in San Diego.
New Negotiations?
Machado declined to talk about the topic.
“I’m just here to play baseball and continue to do what I’ve got to do,” stated Manny Machado of his contract. “I let my agent, front office and (general manager) A.J. (Preller) and (owner) Peter (Seidler) handle that.”
Its hard to imagine what the Padres might look like without Manny Machado playing the ‘hot corner’. Especially after the improvements the Padres have made this season.
“That provision’s in his contract,” Melvin said. “It’s in his right to opt out, but we’ve also shown a willingness to keep the important guys here.”
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