MLB rumors: 3 major contract extension candidates and where they’ll sign

MLB rumors: What’s the likelihood of a Manny Machado extension?

MLB insiders across baseball from Ken Rosenthal to Jon Heyman to even our own Robert Murray have commented on the likelihood of a Manny Machado extension. The two sides are interested in getting a deal done during spring training, and if they do, it would avoid a massive headache for A.J. Preller and the San Diego Padres next winter.

Machado already told the Padres he plans on opting out of his contract at the end of this year, especially with the amount of money that can be made on the free-agent market.

"“So far this year, I’m a Padre, but who knows after next year,” he said. “The team knows where I stand in my situation and with the opt-out coming, and I think I’ve expressed that I will be opting out after this year. But I think my focus is not about 2024. I think my focus is about 2023, what I can do for this ball club, what I’ve done for this organization and what we’re going to continue to do here. I think we got something special here brewing, and I don’t think anything’s going to change.”"

An extension remains a possibility, and it’s up to Machado, his agency and the San Diego front office to make that happen prior to the start of the regular season.

Manny Machado rumors: Biggest threats to sign him away from Padres

FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray listed three potential threat to the Pads to sign Machado if they don’t extend him this spring:

1. San Francisco Giants: “Machado would make up for missing on Judge and Correa. He has a history with Giants executive Farhan Zaidi, who traded for the superstar infielder while he was the Dodgers general manager. He would give the Giants the middle-of-the-order presence they have long been seeking. And he would likely be cheaper than Aaron Judge, who commanded a staggering nine-year, $360 million contract.”
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: “Let’s say that the Dodgers miss on Ohtani in this scenario. Then Machado would be a terrific Plan B. While the fit is not as obvious as Ohtani, especially with Miguel Vargas primed for a key role in 2023 and beyond, Machado would give them a key presence in the heart of their lineup and in the infield. Besides, both sides are familiar with one another, as the Dodgers acquired Machado in 2018 and helped lead them to a World Series berth.”
3. New York Mets: “Such a signing would allow the Mets to keep star Francisco Lindor at shortstop while sliding Machado to third base, which is exactly what the organization envisioned with Correa. Signing Machado will likely cost around $300 million — and that should be enticing for all owners, especially Cohen.”

Both the Giants and Dodgers would allow Machado to stay on the west coast, and even the same division as the Pads. Steve Cohen would covet Machado, just as he did Carlos Correa, and offer the star third baseman as much financial capital as needed.