NFL
By: Billy Lewis
The past two Major League Baseball offseasons have followed the same theme, slow moving. Last year’s biggest free agent, J.D. Martinez, looked on as teams began Spring Training while he was still unsigned. February was nearing its end before Martinez officially signed on the 26th.
This year’s two biggest free agents, Bryce Harper, and Manny Machado remained unsigned past Valentine’s Day. Finally, yesterday one of them broke through. Machado agreed to a 10 year/$300 million deal with the San Diego Padres.
Earlier in the offseason, the Padres were active in the search for a starting pitcher. They were linked to the Mets and Noah Syndergaard, as well as linked to the Indians and Corey Kluber. Many thought that if the Padres acquired one of the Aces, they would flip them in a trade with another team.
Padres Looking to Win Now?
The Machado signing could mean that the Padres were looking to win now. The Padres boast the best farm system in Major League Baseball and are hoping the Machado move could be a catalyst for their window to win. Last offseason they also made a splash when they signed Eric Hosmer to an 8 year/$144 million deal.
Machado going to San Diego can be dicey for Major League Baseball. If it works out well and the Padres become a good team this year, Machado in San Diego could cause fans to stay up for the late West Coast games to see them in action. If it doesn’t work out, baseball could have another Mike Trout situation on its hands, as a superstar player toils away on a bad West Coast team.
