Padres’ Manny Machado says he plans to opt out after 2023

Manny Machado, the San Diego Padres star third baseman, recently announced his plans to opt out of his contract with the Padres after the 2023 season. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the Padres prior to the 2019 season, and his opt-out clause allows him to become a free agent after the 2023 season.

The 28-year-old Machado has had a stellar career thus far, being named to four All-Star teams and winning two Gold Glove Awards. In his first season with the Padres, Machado hit .256 with 32 home runs and 85 RBIs, helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Machado’s opt-out clause is a common feature of large contracts in Major League Baseball, and it gives the player the ability to test free agency after a certain number of years. This clause gives Machado the opportunity to potentially sign a new contract with the Padres or another team if he chooses to opt out.

The Padres have been a team on the rise in recent years, and Machado’s presence has been a big part of that. The team is hopeful that Machado will remain with them beyond 2023, and they are likely to make a strong effort to keep him in San Diego.

For now, Machado is focused on helping the Padres reach the playoffs in 2021 and beyond. He is one of the best players in the game, and the Padres will certainly miss him if he chooses to opt out of his contract. Regardless of what happens, Machado’s legacy with the Padres will live on for years to come.