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After seeing all 30 groups mix to spend practically $4 billion on free brokers this offseason, San Diego Padres star Manny Machado is seeking to money in with one other large contract after the 2023 season.
Chatting with reporters at spring coaching on Friday, Machado confirmed he’ll use the opt-out clause in his deal after this season to change into a free agent:
“Clearly, the crew is aware of the place I stand, my scenario with the opt-out coming. I believe I’ve expressed that I will probably be opting out after this 12 months, however I believe my focus will not be about 2024. I believe my focus is about 2023, what I can do to this ballclub, what I’ve achieved for this group and what we will proceed to do right here. I believe we have got one thing particular right here rising and I do not suppose something’s going to vary.”
This nearly definitely is no surprise to the Padres. Jon Heyman of the New York Submit and MLB Community reported in December that San Diego is anticipating Machado opting out.
Machado initially signed a 10-year, $300 million take care of the Padres in February 2019. The deal included an choose out after the fifth 12 months. He could be leaving $150 million on the desk if he goes via with it, however it’s onerous envision a state of affairs in he would not get considerably greater than that on a brand new contract.
The six-time All-Star is six weeks youthful than Aaron Decide, who simply signed a nine-year, $360 million contract with the New York Yankees. Xander Bogaerts, who’s three months youthful than Machado, signed with the Padres for $287 million over 11 years.
Machado has two top-three finishes in NL MVP voting up to now three seasons. He ranks seventh in MLB with 46.6 FanGraphs’ wins above alternative since making his big-league debut in 2012.
It will likely be attention-grabbing to see if the Padres try to re-sign Machado. Heyman famous that any rumors the New York Yankees tried to inquire about Fernando Tatis Jr. in a commerce was “whole BS.”
Tatis has performed shortstop for many of his profession, however he is going to play outfield upon getting back from his suspension for a constructive PED check on April 20. Bogaerts has been a shortstop all through his profession, however he is nearly definitely going to maneuver off the place in some unspecified time in the future throughout his contract due to his age.
Even when Bogaerts stays at shortstop for the subsequent few years, he might find yourself at third base when his vary begins to decrease.
However the Padres have already proven they will not hesitate to spend cash if it improves their crew. They’re one among solely three teams projected to be over the $233 million luxury-tax payroll in 2023, together with the New York Mets and New York Yankees.
Machado has a .280/.352/.504 slash line with 108 homers and 340 RBI in 519 video games over 4 seasons with the Padres.
