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A lot of things happened in the MLB this weekend. With the start of spring training, teams will be eager to try out new prospects on the field, as well as assess their stars' performances right before the start of the 2023 regular season. Here's some of the latest news happening in the world of baseball right now.
MLB News: Machado agrees to an 11-year contract extension with the Padres
According to reports, the San Diego Padres and superstar third baseman Manny Machado have agreed to an 11-year, $350 million contract extension. The contract begins this season, which means Machado will be under contract until the 2033 season when he turns 41.
Machado had six years and $180 million left on his contract with the Padres, but he also had an opt-out clause that he could have exercised after the 2023 season. The extension, which includes a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs, will give Machado the third-largest contract extension in MLB history, trailing only Mookie Betts of the Dodgers and Mike Trout of the Angels. Last season, Machado helped lead the Padres to their first NLCS in 24 years.
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MLB News: Rays' No. 1 prospect gets Justin Turner’s autograph after retiring him
MLB's 20th-ranked prospect, Taj Bradley, had a successful debut in the Tampa Bay Rays’ Grapefruit League. He pitched against veteran Justin Turner in a 7-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park. The 21-year-old threw five out of seven strikes and finished Turner with a 98 mph fastball off the handle, earning himself a souvenir ball signed by the veteran.
Bradley lived between 96-98 mph -- numbers he said might have been boosted by the adrenaline of facing big names for the first time. Bradley, the Rays' top prospect, has a 22-16 record and a 2.61 ERA in 73 Minor League appearances over four years and 310 2/3 innings. He struck out 345 and had 95 walks. If he continues to improve and demonstrate his talent, he could join the Rays this season.
MLB News: Aaron Judge greeted on the field by fans
New York Yankees' captain Aaron Judge received a warm welcome from fans at the George M. Steinbrenner Field during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Braves. Judge, who had a challenging offseason during which he had multiple opportunities to play elsewhere, felt it was meaningful that he chose to remain with the Yankees.
After fumbling with his earpiece while giving a live interview after the game, he noted that hearing his name called for the Yankees never gets old, no matter where he is.
Judge declined the San Francisco Giants' offer of a nine-year contract. Instead, he decided to stay with the Yankees and was subsequently named captain, a move that has been received with unanimous approval.
MLB News: Vladdy’s spring: 2 Games, 2 HRs
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 401-foot homer in Toronto’s Grapefruit League game against the Yankees on Sunday. This comes after he launched a 423-foot shot against the Pirates two days prior.
The 2022 season was a step back for Guerrero Jr. after a phenomenal 2021, in which he was an AL MVP candidate. Guerrero Jr. believes he was too anxious at the plate in 2022, as he attempted to repeat his 2021 success. He has a renewed mindset and is now focused on a similar plate approach that helped him achieve success before. His performance in 2022 could significantly impact the Blue Jays' win total.
