Padres News: Bob Melvin Addresses Manny Machado Contract Situation

On Friday, Manny Machado confirmed that he was likely going to opt out of his contract this offseason. Machado has a clause in his contract that allows him to opt out of the final five years, and that's exactly what he's planning on doing.

The reason is simple — he saw how much money players were getting this offseason, and he wants to test the market. Next offseason, he and Shohei Ohtani are the only two big names, and if Machado plays his cards right, he could be the top prize on the market after Ohtani signs his contract. He would definitely make a lot more than he's currently getting right now.

While the move isn't exactly a surprise, Padres fans should definitely want to hear manager Bob Melvin's thoughts on the situation. And good news, I have that for you right here:

"[We have] shown a willingness to keep the important guys here, and I’m sure that there’s a good chance that’s the case with Manny, too," Melvin said. "I don’t want to know what it’s gonna look like without him here."

Bob Melvin was asked how closely he follows Manny Machado’s contract situation and what it would be like without him as a Padre.

Melvin: “I don’t want to know what it’s gonna look like without him here.” pic.twitter.com/ymDS4EbwBG
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 17, 2023

Melvin was right with everything he said here. The Padres have proved time and time again that they'll spend just about whatever it takes to keep this team in contention status — and Machado is the heart and soul of this team.

The Friars already extended RHP Yu Darvish this offseason, and gave him such a nice contract he thought it was a prank.

The Padres threw money at SS Xander Bogaerts this offseason to come to San Diego, and traded the farm for superstar OF Juan Soto. It would be hard to imagine that they finally stop the spending when it gets to their top player in Machado — unless, of course, they decide they prefer Ohtani. But I can't imagine this team not giving Machado whatever he wants to remain in San Diego for the remainder of his career.