MLB Free Agency Heats Up as Machado Signs with Padres

Well baseball fans, the wait is finally over…kind of. Manny Machado has agreed to sign with the San Diego Padres on a record deal of 10 years for $300 million. That’s right – $300 million a year to play baseball, what a life he’s living right now. The deal is the highest contract ever signed by a free agent, surpassing Alex Rodriguez’s $275 million contract in 2007 by the New York Yankees. Congratulations, Manny.

The San Diego Padres? Who would’ve thought they would be the ones to land the superstar middle infielder? All off-season long, we have heard about the Phillies, Yankees and White Sox being the frontrunners to land him. Just recently, Machado visited San Diego and that was the only time the two sides were mentioned together. I may be speaking for all of the baseball world when I say that I am surprised at this move. Machado joins Ian Kinsler and All-Star first baseman Eric Hosmer in a top-heavy Padres lineup, along with number-one prospect Fernando Tatis Jr., expected to join the team early in the season. Lest we forget, the Padres also have the number one farm system in the Majors. The future looks bright for this team.

On the other hand, Bryce Harper is still unsigned. Rumors are heating up that he will sign with the Phillies, but nothing is confirmed.

Interestingly, the Padres aren’t out of the Harper sweepstakes even after signing Machado. Their $110 million payroll is still lower than several teams in the league, so they can afford him as well. After signing Machado, filling the stadium with fans probably won’t be an issue like it has been in years past for the Padres. As a result, they won’t care about the high payroll if they sign Harper also. The Nationals, Giants, Yankees and White Sox also cannot be counted out.

In other words, everyone is speculating so we are forced to wait. But, after Machado signed, I can confidently say Harper isn’t far behind. Also, with Scott Boras as his agent (the guy who got Alex Rodriguez his contract in 2007), don’t be surprised if Harper gets an even larger contract than Machado. Dollar signs…dollar signs everywhere.