Padres Rumors: Manny Machado Reportedly Set a Deadline for Extension Talks

Is resigning Machado really as big of a priority as San Diego says?

The San Diego Padres find themselves entering the year having guaranteed long-term contracts to almost all of their top pieces, except for one name in particular. Star third baseman Manny Machado has been patiently waiting for the front office to show him the money and solidify at least another decade of him in the brown and gold.

Following one of the best seasons in Friars history, the ball definitely was in Machado's park and he decided to give the team a deadline as to when they could offer him their final deal. It was then reported by Kevin Acee, reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, that the Padres waited until just before the deadline to pitch a contract below what Machado deserved.

Per @sdutKevinAcee: Manny Machado set a February 16 deadline for extension talks with the Padres (this past Thursday). The Padres made one offer (5 yr/21M AAV) 2 days before the deadline

Manny: "I don’t know how you get this information. But write whatever.” pic.twitter.com/LQvFKZzWac

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) February 18, 2023

The specific deadline, which Machado confirmed, was February 16 and chosen to ensure that no contract negations would take place once Spring Training got rolling full-time. Media spoke to the 30-year-old captain and he explained why this date was so important to him.

"I just wanted to focus on baseball. So once the season started, I didn’t want to really continue talking about contracts or the business side of things," said Machado." I just want to focus on my team and the guys in here and what our goal is — to win a championship. So (Thursday) was our deadline, and after that it was just focus on baseball, going out there and winning."

Acee also reported that the potential extension set forth by the team was one that would have seen his current contract shoot up to 11 years, $285 million. Machado neither confirmed nor denied this rumor but seeing that he turned the offer down, it is almost certain that he is looking to get paid in the $300 million range.

The 2022 NL MVP finalist has become an integral part of the organization and it is a bit shocking to see them not take advantage of signing Machado prior to the season opener. The team has been very open about their aspirations to bring the city a World Series title this year and San Diego's front office has worked day and night these past few months to carve out money for key rotational guys.

Other organizations around the MLB will now view this situation as a sign that Machado may leave the club following this season. The Padres still have to decide if they will pay Juan Soto a long-term contract as well and also loom over the possibility of adding star pitcher Shohei Ohtani to their roster.

Both Machado and the Padres are keeping their best interests in mind and if the 4-time All-Star continues his spectacular play from last season, he will not have to worry about San Diego's front office getting that paperwork ready.