Frandsen on Manny Machado: "He's already proven that he can play to a contract"
The Manny Machado contract saga is in full swing and we are still five weeks away from Opening Day. The San Diego Padres slugger has made it clear that he intends to opt-out of his contract and test the market at the end of the season. The organization, meanwhile, is doing everything in their power to retain one of their star players before it's too late.
Manny Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract in 2019 with the Padres, but has a clause that permits him to opt-out at the end of the year. With no agreement in place, there is a realistic possibility that he will become a free agent at the end of the year.
Former MLB player and broadcaster Kevin Frandsen insists that playing out the year and betting on himself may be the most beneficial route for Machado:
"He's already proven that he can play to a contract"
MLB clubs spent a record amount in the free agency market this offseason. The latest trend has seen an increase in salaries along with an increase in the length of contracts.
"I'm looking at Manny going 'Yup, here we go! I can do it, pay up'."
@KevinFrandsen believes the @Padres have to keep Manny Machado in the fold long-term to keep their World Series hopes alive.
#Padres | #MannyMachado https://t.co/E8tMPDcS5E
"I'm looking at Manny going 'Yup, here we go! I can do it, pay up'." @KevinFrandsen believes the @Padres have to keep Manny Machado in the fold long-term to keep their World Series hopes alive. #Padres | #MannyMachado" - MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM
The New York Yankees shelled out $360 million over nine years for 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge. Carlos Correa signed with the Minnesota Twins on a six-year, $200 million deal. The Texas Rangers brought in Jacob deGrom on a five-year, $185 million deal. All three of those players now earn more than Machado.
Manny Machado has put up big-number since signing with the Padres on a 10-year, $300 million deal
Frandsen believes that if the San Diego Padres have any shot at a World Series title, they need a player like Machado in the lineup. He has been one of the club's most consistent hitters since joining in 2019.
Last season, Machado finished with a .298/.366/.531 slash line and a .897 OPS. He ranked in the top 10 in home runs (32) and RBIs (102) in the National League.
Manny Machado is seeking a 10-year, $400 million contract after this season, per @BNightengale https://t.co/F0ATn8t6rO
"Manny Machado is seeking a 10-year, $400 million contract after this season, per @BNightengale" - Talkin' Baseball
Overall, the right-handed slugger has amassed 283 home runs and 853 RBIs over 1,445 regular-season games.
For many, leaving $150 million might seem ludacris, but a player of Machado's caliber is capable of making a lot more in free agency. He has proven that he can deliver. Retaining Machado will be a key step for a franchise that is still in search of their first ever World Series.