NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 28: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 28, 2019 in New York City. The Padres defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres and Manny Machado have interest in a contract extension. While there’s no guarantee a deal gets done, Spring Training could be telling.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote a column this morning which linked Manny Machado to a contract extension with the San Diego Padres. Rosenthal did state in his piece that “no sources are saying a deal is close, or at this point, even under discussion.”
Nonetheless, a Spring Training contract extension does make a lot of sense for the Padres. Signing Juan Soto long-term is no guarantee, and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s future is uncertain as well. Machado is a player they can count on, and he will come at a cheaper — albeit still expensive — price point than the likes of Soto and Shohei Ohtani.
Signing Machado now to a contract avoids the theatric of the free-agent market, where the Pads risk his price increasing or a mystery team blowing him out of the water. For evidence of that, they need not look any further to their agreement with Xander Bogaerts this offseason.
Rosenthal laid out Machado’s expectations, and they are high.
“To keep Machado, the Padres will need to beat the remaining six years and $180 million on his contract — beat it in length, and beat it in average annual value. Another 10-year deal, this time for more than $300 million, would not appear out of the question,” Rosenthal stated.
Such a contract would pay Machado into his age-41 season.
Manny Machado extension would screw over the Mets
The New York Mets aren’t oblivious to the fact that Machado fits their needs in nearly every way. By losing out on Carlos Correa this past offseason, New York needs another third baseman. As capable as prospect Brett Baty may be, he is unproven.
FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray views the Mets as one of the biggest threats for Machado, should he be interested.
“Such a signing would allow the Mets to keep star Francisco Lindor at shortstop while sliding Machado to third base, which is exactly what the organization envisioned with Correa. Signing Machado will likely cost around $300 million — and that should be enticing for all owners, especially Cohen.”
Steve Cohen isn’t afraid to throw money around, and the Mets are desperate for a World Series. While they do have other needs, including their starting rotation beyond this season, Machado has the allure of a Gold Glover and Silver Slugger. He’s a perennial MVP candidate, and would put the Mets lineup over the edge.