Shohei, the next offseason is officially yours! Machado’s 11-year, $350 million “shocking stay” puts Shohei Ohtani’s future in the spotlight again.

Last Updated on 02/27/2023 by てんしょく飯

The San Diego Padres, who are aiming for their first World Championship this season, signed a mega-deal with a big fielder who will play a key role in the team’s success. On February 26 locally, they signed Manny Machado to an 11-year, $350 million (¥47.75 billion) contract extension.

Machado’s decision was influenced by Darvish’s contract.

Machado, now 30, joined the Padres in 2019 for 10 years and $300 million ($40.94 billion). He has been a mainstay of the team, finishing third in MVP voting in 2020, a shortened season, and second in MVP voting last season.

This offseason Machado even hinted at leaving the Padres. When the Padres and Yu Darvish signed a six-year, $108 million (about ¥14.21 billion) contract extension on February 9 (local), he said, “That was big for me, too. His performance last season was very supportive of the team,” he said, adding that he would exercise his right to opt out after this season.

The contract extension was a sudden turn of events. The 11-year contract does not include an opt-out clause, but does include a right to refuse a trade. Machado will be 41 years old at the end of his contract, so the possibility that he will spend his entire playing career with the Padres has increased.

Machado’s decision to stay with the Padres, which was the centerpiece of next offseason’s free agent market, has created a buzz in the baseball world. It also brought the existence of a great talent into the spotlight. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels.

Ohtani’s contract with the Angels expires at the end of this season. His movements have long been the focus of attention in the U.S. media, with the Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and other potential destinations always in the spotlight.

The retention of Machado, a big-name fielder, may make the “battle for Ohtani” in next season’s FA market even more heated. Mark Feinsand, a reporter for MLB’s official website, expressed his expectations on Twitter.

Shohei Otani, the 2023-24 offseason is officially yours.

What effect will Machado’s large contract have on the Padres’ FA market? It will be interesting to see what happens with Otani’s departure.