Padres Sign Manny Machado to 10-Year Deal

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The San Diego Padres have signed superstar slugger Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million contract — the biggest free-agent contract in the history of American sports — according to multiple reports. Machado, 26, is a four-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, and has finished in the top-10 in American League Most Valuable Player Award race three times (2013, 2015, 2016).

Machado will take his physicals with the Padres on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a press conference Friday. A fifth-year opt-out is in the deal, as well as a limited no-trade clause. Machado will likely play third base; Luis Urias currently plays short for San Diego, and will likely be replaced at some point by fellow top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr.

Current members of the Phillies front office drafted Machado third overall in the 2010 amateur draft out of Brito Miami Private School. Phillies Director of Player Development Joe Jordan — who was the Orioles' scouting director in 2010 — said after the draft that he knew he was "going to get a good player" and that Machado has "all the ingredients that you look for in a shortstop." Phillies President Andy MacPhail, Vice President and General Manager Matt Klentak and Assistant General Manager Ned Rice also partook in selecting Machado with the Orioles.

Machado began the first six seasons of his big league career at the hot corner — earning Gold Glove Awards in 2013 and 2015 — but has since transitioned to his original position at shortstop. Machado has insisted he would like to continue playing short, given it is "where his heart is," but said it is "out of his hands" if asked to play third base.

While the Phillies have long had interest in the Hialeah, Florida, native, he ultimately will head to the National League West. Now, the Phillies hope they can land Bryce Harper to justify Managing Partner John Middleton's spending "stupid money" promise made near the start of the offseason.