Manny Machado has been a part of the San Diego Padres’ lineup for the last four seasons.
Ahead of the 2019 campaign, he signed a 10-year, $300 million contract to play in San Diego, and he has returned top-notch performance so far.
In those four seasons in San Diego, Machado has slashed .280/.352/.504 with a .855 OPS and a 136 OPS+.
He has hit 108 home runs over that span, which is impressive considering he plays Gold Glove-caliber defense at third base as well.
Last year, Machado hit .298 with 32 home runs, 100 runs, 102 RBI, and nine steals, so it’s clear he remains elite.
The problem, for San Diego, is the opt-out clause they put on the contract to get him to sign four years ago.
It said that Machado can get out of the deal after the fifth season, which is 2023.
He has every intention of doing so this year: he has already said he is going to explore his options after the Fall Classic.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that he is walking, but it’s a concrete possibility.
San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler has made it clear that retaining Machado will be number one on his to-do list.
“Peter Seidler was asked how big of a priority Manny Machado is moving forward. Seidler: ‘Manny is my top priority,’” 97.3 The Fan San Diego tweeted.
Peter Seidler was asked how big of a priority Manny Machado is moving forward.
Seidler: “Manny is my top priority.” pic.twitter.com/reEgx7E4oA
– 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 21, 2023
With Seidler’s remarks, it becomes clear: despite the presence of Shohei Ohtani at the top of the free agents list next offseason, the Padres will focus on re-signing Machado first.
That doesn’t mean they can’t have both, but it would require a sizable investment that not every squad is willing to make.
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Parent Owner Discusses The Team’s Large Payroll