Manny Machado wants San Diego Padres to extend teammate Juan Soto in their quest to win a World Series - "Hopefully, Soto next"
Last week, Manny Machado inked a massive contract extension, and he wants Juan Soto to follow suit. At the end of the 2022 season, Machado decided to opt out of his earlier contract, which would have left him five years and $150 million short of the deal he signed in 2019.
Now, Machado has voiced his wish, wanting Soto to sign a contract extension as well.
"Hopefully Soto next" https://t.co/Tn9lAkrflN
"The contracts that we got with Bogey, myself ... Hopefully, Soto next. I mean it's great, we want to win," Manny Machado said.
The San Diego Padres signed brute-force ball players and extended the contracts of many, helping them become serious contenders in the NL West. They signed Xander Bogaerts from the Red Sox, got Matt Carpenter from the New York Yankees and Nelson Cruz from the Washington Nationals. They also extended the contracts of Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Manny Machado.
With such heavy spending, they have put themselves on the "to be feared" list in the league. It is reasonable to believe that Soto, who was acquired along with Josh Bell from the Nationals last season, will sign a long-term contract with the Padres.
Watched a 20 min highlight reel of the 2022 Padres. Wanted to taste it one last time before fully diving into 2023 and what lays ahead. Just watching Machado, Soto, Grisham & Cronenworth suck the souls of the Dodgers in the NLDS. SD got an appetizer. I hope 2023 is the entrée. https://t.co/8pBo4xTUpp
"Watched a 20 min highlight reel of the 2022 Padres. Wanted to taste it one last time before fully diving into 2023 and what lays ahead. Just watching Machado, Soto, Grisham & Cronenworth suck the souls of the Dodgers in the NLDS. SD got an appetizer. I hope 2023 is the entrée" - NickLee51
Manny Machado and Juan Soto are integral pieces for the Padres' success
Truth be told, there is no cause to question Juan Soto's current presence. A player of Soto's caliber has undoubtedly noticed, just like Machado did, how much the Padres and owner Peter Seidler are willing to spend in the coming years.
Give him a few more months and Soto will likely want to stay. The Padres will probably pay whatever is necessary as well to keep him.
Juan Soto hits a homer to right field against Joe Musgrove in a simulated game. https://t.co/imMJGF6eb4
"Juan Soto hits a homer to right field against Joe Musgrove in a simulated game" - 973TheFanSD
Last season, Manny Machado, 30, hit .298/.366/.531 (159 OPS+) with 37 doubles, 32 home runs, 102 RBI, 100 runs, and a 6.8 WAR. He also made his sixth All-Star team and placed second in the NL MVP vote.
Manny Machado hits one off the left centerfield wall against Adrian Morejon. https://t.co/VypEgfc2On
"Manny Machado hits one off the left centerfield wall against Adrian Morejon" - 973TheFanSD