Manny Machado has elected to play for the San Diego Padres. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Padres have reached an agreement with free agent infielder Manny Machado on a 10-year, $300 million contract.
The deal, which includes an opt-out after five years, was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan and is pending a physical.
Machado joined former Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper as the top two free agents on the market. Harper remains unsigned, but Machado’s recent agreement could accelerate the market for the former Nats outfielder.
Machado, 26, hit .297 with 35 doubles, three triples, 37 home runs and 107 RBIs in 632 at-bats last season with the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers. He scored 84 runs and added 70 walks.
Machado is also known as an elite defender. He won two Gold Gloves while playing with the Orioles in 2013 and 2015.
Over his seven-year career, Machado, a four-time All-Star, has a .282 average, 211 doubles, 12 triples, 175 home runs and 513 RBIs in 3,720 at-bats. He’s played in 162 games twice (2015 and 2018) and at least 156 three times (2013, 2016 and 2017).
Machado should fit nicely with first baseman Eric Hosmer in the middle of San Diego’s batting order. His 37 homers ranked him eighth in the Majors in long balls.
Machado was a starter for the American League in the 2018 All-Star Game.
