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Manny Machado has decided to opt out of his contract with the San Diego Padres after the 2023 season. He's spent the past four seasons with the team, but plans to test the market after this season.
He's a premier third baseman and tons of teams should and will be interested in him. The question is, what are the best spots for him? Where will he end up next? Could he return to San Diego after all of this? Time will tell.
Landing spots for Manny Machado after he opts out
5) Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have a good lineup, but they are lacking two things. A reliable third baseman and star power. Machado gives them that in spades. He's arguably the best third baseman in all of baseball. The Brewers are a fringe contender and adding Machado to a core of Willy Adames (to form an elite third-shortstop duo, too), Christian Yelich and William Contreras is a great idea.
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4) New York Mets
The New York Mets wanted to sign Carlos Correa, a shortstop, to play third base. Clearly, they're in need. Money is also no object to owner Steve Cohen. They'll probably offer him the biggest contract out of all the teams, so he's likely to end up here.
3) Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies ousted the Padres in the NLCS in 2022 and they don't have a star third baseman. They just signed Trea Turner to go with Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, but how lethal would a Turner-Machado-Harper-Schwarber top of the lineup be?
2) New York Yankees
The New York Yankees arguably needed Machado when he first signed with the Padres. They still need him. Josh Donaldson hasn't panned out and the Yankees need another star to get past the Houston Astros. This makes perfect sense for the Yankees, but are they willing to spend what they'll have to?
1) San Diego Padres
In the end, the best and most likely place for Machado is still San Diego. They're building a legitimate contender and Machado is at the heart of that. When players opt out, it's not always to leave. Expect the Padres to know Machado's worth and importance to their team and their future and pay up.
