Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Manny Machado is in prime position to land the second mega-deal of his career. Here are three contracts that will look great after he signs that deal.
Manny Machado has made it clear that he plans to opt out of the remaining five years, $150 million remaining of his contract with the San Diego Padres after the season. When/if he reaches free agency, he’s bound to get paid.
Likely more than the 10-year, $300 million contract he signed with the Padres years ago.
The presence of the New York Mets and owner Steve Cohen looms large, especially after the team agreed to a contract with Carlos Correa and ultimately failed his physical. The Mets still have a need for a long-term third baseman and have plenty of money to spend. They figure to be a suitor if the Padres are unable to extend Machado before he reaches free agency.
But the market for Machado will include more than just the Padres and Mets. The interest figures to be massive, and because of it, will land the second-mega deal of his career.
Here are three contracts that should look very good after Machado ultimately signs that deal.
Manny Machado opting out: 3 contracts that look great after decision
Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies
At the moment of signing, Trea Turner’s 12-year, $300 million contract felt like a great deal for both the star shortstop and the Philadelphia Phillies. For Turner, it secured the $300 million guarantee that he sought. For the Phillies, they landed their top target of the offseason — and he took less money to be in Philadelphia, as he turned down a 12-year, $342 million contract from the San Diego Padres.
Turner, 29, has already established himself as one of the best shortstops. Rival scouts believe that he has the ability to be the unquestioned best shortstop in baseball and in a lineup that features Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, among others, he has a very strong chance of doing that sooner than later.
This could make his $300 million contract look very, very good for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.