Manny Machado (30), who is considered the ‘signboard hitter’ of the San Diego Padres and the best third baseman in the major leagues,메이저놀이터 announced that he would opt out after this season, and his move is already drawing attention.
In an interview with local media on the 18th (Korean time), Machado said, “Until this year, I am a San Diego player. But who knows what will happen next year?”
Machado, who signed a 10-year, 300 million dollar (approximately 390 billion won) contract with San Diego, still has a 5-year, 150 million dollar (approximately 195 billion won) contract left. But Machado was determined to forego the $150 million guaranteed and opt out. Looking at the flow of the free agent market, which has been skyrocketing recently, prospects are pouring in that Machado can sign another mega-hit contract.
“This is business. The market is changing. It’s vastly different from when I signed five years ago,” Machado said, explaining why he decided to opt out.
It will not be very pleasant news for Kim Ha-seong (27), who is guarding the San Diego infield with Machado. Kim Ha-seong shares a special friendship with Macha-do. Machado sent a gift and congratulatory card to Kim Ha-sung on his birthday last year, and he wrote “Saeng-il chugha! Manh-eun chugbog! Ulineun neoluel salanghae (Happy birthday! Many blessings! We love you)” in his own handwriting on the card. He showed affection for Kim Ha-seong.
At the fan fest held earlier this month, Kim Ha-seong also expressed, “I think I can play as a third baseman this year, but I hope to be called ‘Kim Cha-do (Kim Ha-seong + Macha-do)’ when I go to third base.” He also showed off his friendship with Machado by unveiling his bat.
The friendship between the two players is special, but as Machado said, ‘baseball is business’. Machado hit .298 last year with 32 home runs and 102 RBIs, and was mentioned as a candidate for the National League MVP. In fact, he was even ranked second in MVP voting. Now that Machado has entered the ‘thirtieth party’, there is no way he will miss the best chance of his life.
Of course, just because Machado executes an opt-out doesn’t mean that he has a 100% chance of breaking up with San Diego. Carlos Correa, who opted out this offseason, ended up signing a contract with the Minnesota Twins for 6 years and 200 million dollars (approximately 260 billion won) after the twists and turns of contracts with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.