Padres Announce Historic Deal with Manny Machado

The San Diego Padres have officially announced their historic signing of infielder Manny Machado.

NBC 7 SportsWrap's Darnay Tripp confirms the terms of the deal are the same as first reported; 10 years for $300 million with an option to opt out after the 2023 season.

The deal first surfaced on Tuesday and sent Padres fans into a frenzy, but executive chairman Ron Fowler told Dennis Lin of The Athletic the deal had yet to be finalized.

On Thursday afternoon the team took to its Twitter account to make the announcement official.

As reported it’s for 10 years and $300 Million, with an opt out after 2023.

— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) February 21, 2019

A statement from the Padres called Machado a "generational talent" and said the agreement "speaks volumes to the direction of our organization."

Machado will be introduced formally at a Friday news conference alongside General Manager AJ Preller at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

Machado, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, made $16 million between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles last season.

The 26-year-old slugger posted a career-high .905 OPS in 2018, finishing the season with a .297/.367/.538 slash line, 37 home runs, 107 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. In 66 regular-season games with the Dodgers, Machado hit .273 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs.

According to @JeffPassan Machado signed for 10 Years/$300 Million.

There were reports that no one would top San Diego’s bid. There were also reports that he was going to take the biggest offer.

Sure enough - Padres land their superstar.

— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) February 19, 2019

Machado spent most of this past season at shortstop, his preferred position, but is expected to play 3^rd base for the Padres. San Diego has hot shot shortstop prospect Fernando Tatis Junior in the pipeline. Tatis is expected to be the Padres shortstop of the future and could make his big league debut this season.

Machado's deal is the biggest free agent contract in baseball history, overtaking the 10-year, $275 million deal that Alex Rodriguez signed with the Yankees after the 2007 season.

Along with Bryce Harper, Machado was one of the most coveted free agents this off-season. 

Machado is an 8-year MLB veteran, who played most of his first seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.

This is obviously huge.

Either Machado or Harper would be great additions, but Machado is the more natural fit, with an opening at third base. Now they’ve got a two-time Gold Glove winner at the hot corner.

— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) February 19, 2019

Padres legend Randy Jones visited NBC 7 Tuesday and offered his thoughts on the Machado development and what it could mean for the Friars.

“I’m just really, really excited about the whole concept,” Jones told NBC 7. “I just know that Padres ownership, they’re trying to create a winner here in San Diego. I think now, they kind of realize, it is real. These guys are serious; they want to create a winner here.”

“They think that key component – we needed an infielder – and you can’t get better than Manny Machado,” Jones added. “I’m really excited about the opportunity to see the left side of the infield now. I just can only imagine the buzz in Spring Training right now with the other players. This really sends a signal to Major League Baseball and other players that they’re serious, and we’re going to win.”