SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — No more games. The San Diego Padres have made it official.
The team announced Thursday they have official signed all-star free agent Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million deal through the 2028 season, with an opt-out after the 2023 season. The agreement stands as the largest for a free agent in Major League Baseball history.
Machado will sport the number 13, as he did while playing for the Baltimore Orioles from 2012-2018.
The make room for the star infielder, the Padres have transferred right-handed pitcher Dinelson Lamet from the 40-man roster to the 60-day injured list.
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As news broke earlier this week of the signing, Padres ownership dodged questions, with Executive Chairman Ron Fowler even saying there was no deal. Friday, the jig was up.
"Manny Machado is a generational talent, and we're ecstatic that he's chosen to spend his prime years in a San Diego Padres uniform," Fowler and general partner Peter Seidler said in a joint statement today. "This momentous agreement speaks volumes to the direction of our organization, as well as our commitment to bringing a World Series Championship to the Friar Faithful and the City of San Diego."
A press conference to discuss the signing is scheduled for Friday at the team's Peoria, Ariz., spring training facility.
It's OFFICIAL! The #Padres have signed Manny Machado to a 10-year contract through the 2028 season. Welcome to San Diego, Manny! https://t.co/zr5ZnD82Sy pic.twitter.com/F8jImsTziD
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 21, 2019
Of the signing, general manager A.J. Preller says the addition of Machado is the "right player at the right time" as the team's top-ranked farm system gets ready to turn talent to the bigs.
"We've spent the last several years building a foundation of talent throughout our system that allows us to make a landmark signing such as this. Our scouting, front office and research & development groups all believe that Manny is the right player at the right time for us," Preller said in a statement. "His combination of youth, experience and ability makes him a perfect fit for the Padres both now and in the future as we work to build a perennial contender at the Major League level."
Machado was one of the free agent market's top stars, coming into spring training batting .297 with 35 doubles, 37 home runs, and 107 RBIs last season between time on the Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.
He also tied for the most games played in the MLB, finished tied third in hits, fourth in total bases, tied sixth in multi-hit games, and tied seventh in game-winning RBIs.
During the 2018 postseason with the Dodgers, Machado homered in his three of his first five at games and reached base safely in 13 of 16 games overall.
Already considered by some as a future hall of famer, the 26-year-old star is a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove award winner.
