Padres News: AJ Preller Reveals He Has Talked to Manny Machado About His Future in San Diego
This offseason has come with lots of surprises and signings but the biggest unexpected news for the Padres this winter was probably Yu Darvish's 6-year contract extension for $108 million through 2028. The 36-year-old has already played two seasons with the Padres and will most likely retire with the team as well.
So with the recent talk about contracts and extensions, the big question remains: What will Manny Machado do?
Machado has played four seasons with the Padres already after signing a 10-year, $300 million contract back in February 2019. At the time, it was the largest free-agent pact in North American sports history but as we've seen this winter, it's become the norm for high-profile players like Trea Turner and Aaron Judge.
But after the upcoming season, Machado can opt out of the remaining 5 years and $150 million on his contract. The likelihood of him doing this is unlikely though as he seems to like his time in San Diego so far.
The San Diego Padres, AJ Preller shares about his recent conversations with Machado:
"We've talked. We talk to Manny all the time. It's a real good relationship with Manny, and obviously, he's a huge part of our franchise. So, I talk to him all the time. … He's expressed an interest in being here. We've expressed an interest in him being here. We'll see how it plays out.”
With seven weeks remaining before Opening Day, it seems like Preller is trying to secure a contract extension with Machado as soon as possible.
Machado is only 30 years and will be 31 this winter which means he's still got plenty of time in the major leagues before retiring so the possibility of him either extending his contract with the Padres or finding a long-term contract elsewhere sound intriguing.
Especially since his stats are still in great shape compared to when he signed this contract five years ago.
We'll see if Preller can work his magic with Machado soon or he might just be on the move next winter.
