Padres GM AJ Preller speaks about the positivity and camaraderie that Manny Machado brings to the team - "He truly values his teammates"
The San Diego Padres signed third baseman Manny Machado to an 11-year, $350 million deal on Tuesday. Before the 2019 season, Machado agreed to a 10-year, $300 million contract; however, the deal included an opt-out clause after this campaign.
After earning $108 million from that contract and expecting to earn $32 million this year, Machado, who turns 31 in July, has now signed an extension that will probably keep him in San Diego for the remainder of his career. There are no opt-outs in the agreement this time around.
Manny Machado is a Padre for life. https://t.co/rPAQInjaVh
"I'm honored to put on this uniform for the rest of my career," Machado said.
"Manny Machado is a Padre for life," the Padres tweeted.
In his 11-year major league career, Manny Machado has done a lot. With 283 home runs and 1,597 career hits, he is already halfway to two of baseball's most illustrious achievements. He is a skilled defender and a six-time All-Star. He hasn't missed a day of action since 2014.
AJ Preller talks about Manny Machado's progression as a player and teammate with the Padres.
Preller to @sammylev: "His maturity, his growth over the last 4+ seasons...it's been fun to watch...he truly values his teammates, loves his teammates. He wants the best for those guys." https://t.co/qQzYBriJHi
"His maturity, his growth over the last 4+ seasons...it's been fun to watch...he truly values his teammates, loves his teammates. He wants the best for those guys," Padres general manager A.J. Preller told 97.3 The Fan.
Manny Machado is destined for greatness with the San Diego Padres
Last season, Manny Machado, 30, hit.298/.366/.531 (159 OPS+) with 37 doubles, 32 home runs, 102 RBIs, 100 runs and a 6.8 WAR. He also made his sixth All-Star team and placed second in NL MVP voting.
His career, which is on the verge of having a Hall of Fame CV, had what was likely its best year. It was his highest ranking and the fourth time he had placed in the top five in MVP voting. Machado's third season with 100 RBIs and his fifth with 30 home runs both occurred in 2022.
I made a video montage of every single Manny Machado home run against the Dodgers since he signed in San Diego. Look at some of the swing adjustments too. Enjoy. https://t.co/AsG3XSC0Gf
"I made a video montage of every single Manny Machado home run against the Dodgers since he signed in San Diego. Look at some of the swing adjustments too. Enjoy," @23cmcpadres tweeted.
Manny Machado's career has undergone a number of changes. He has transformed from one of the game's top villains to one of its most admired players. There will always be those who are bitter about him because of the things he has done in the past. As is life.
Yet, if you keep an eye on Machado every day, you'll start to see what he really offers a major league team. His teammates adore Machado and think he is special.