Padres News: Owner Addresses Manny Machado Contract Situation

Padres owner Peter Seidler says Manny Machado is his "top priority" after the San Diego third baseman confirmed his intentions to opt out after 2023.

When Manny Machado signed with the Padres after the 2018 season, he and his agent worked an opt-out clause into the deal after year five of the 10-year contract. Year five is coming up, and Machado recently confirmed the rumors: He intends to opt out of the contract after the 2023 season.

That doesn't mean Machado is a goner, though. It simply means he thinks he can make more than the five years and $150 million remaining on his current deal, either from San Diego or from another team. Looking at how wild the free-agent market was this winter, it's hard to argue with that.

Padres owner Peter Seidler has proven repeatedly that he's willing to spend the money it takes to put together a winning team, and according the MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Seidler has his eye on Machado.

Peter Seidler on Manny Machado’s opt out: ‘Manny is my top priority.’

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 21, 2023

Manny had one of his best seasons in 2022, posting a 159 OPS+ and finishing second in the National League Most Valuable Player Award voting. Overall with San Diego, he has a 136 OPS+ and 17.1 WAR in four seasons.

Machado will turn 31 in July, and his current contract takes him through his age-35 season. After several players signed contracts this winter that will take them near or into their 40s, Manny likely looked at the market and decided now is the right time to capitalize and cash in.

There's always the option that Machado and the Friars will work out an extension this spring; while the player's focus will be on getting ready for the season, his agent will have plenty of time for talking. If they can't come to an agreement before the season starts, they'd likely put talks on hold until after the season, but even that wouldn't guarantee a departure.

Machado has been a free agent once before, and he took his time before deciding to sign with San Diego. Will this one turn out differently? Not if Seidler has anything to say about it.