Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres are expected to play ball for contract talks all season. Machado has an opt-out after this season that the multi-time All-Star infielder may intend to use. The club wants to sign the superstar to a long-term contract. As it stands now, just a day into Spring Training, both sides are reportedly still open to converging on a long-term deal.
The update comes after Machado recently implied that he had set a hard deadline for a contract extension discussion. The date was reportedly February 16 according to longtime reporter Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. But on Friday night, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reported a huge update: Machado and the Padres remain open to a contract extension.
“Manny Machado, Padres still in talks over extension: ‘Nothing’s out of the question,'” Lin tweeted.
Manny Machado, Padres still in talks over extension: ‘Nothing’s out of question’
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/6pm3eMJIh2
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) February 25, 2023
Machado goes into 2023 on the heels of an outstanding 2022. He produced an MVP-caliber season at the plate and in the field. He hit .298 with 32 home runs and an OPS+ of 159. Machado has ranked as one of, if not the best third baseman in the game practically since his arrival.
Manny signed with the Padres in 2019. Since then he has produced and become a favorite amongst their fans. He’s the kind of guy who, if he’s on your team you love him, and if he’s not you might hate him.
The MLB world is buzzing over this big Manny Machado update. Especially Padres fans.
That's right baby! pic.twitter.com/CvD0sbQsrK
— 🔴⚫️SDGUY75🟤🟡 (@sdguy_that) February 25, 2023
Yup. Not worried anymore https://t.co/nEawuNprnj
— Christian (@escalantchris) February 25, 2023
Where should we build Manny’s statue? https://t.co/6SYvTdkdds pic.twitter.com/CMQTFmCX82
— Los Maletas (@sd_chubbs) February 25, 2023
New Manny Machado contract extension hopium just dropped. https://t.co/UN7LGzYpOj
— rich (@rich_roberts) February 25, 2023
Oh it’s happening baby https://t.co/bEGAT04ISs
— Auuss (@Auuss23) February 25, 2023