After a long break, America’s favorite pastime is back in action. With the sport back in action, its thrill and entertainment are also back. National League’s San Diego Padres have by far contributed the most in bringing back joy to baseball fans. The Padres recently shocked the entire baseball world by retaining their talisman, Manny Machado, with a monstrous $350 million. However, the team does not look like stopping anytime soon.
Machado’s return to the team came merely ten days after the slugger admitted to opting out of his contract post-MLB’s 2023 season. And now, the team is about to make some significant moves with two of their other star players on the roster. The franchise’s owner, Peter Seidler, does not have enough funds left after the mammoth Machado deal. But if reports are true, the Padres are still planning a couple more signings in the coming times.
San Diego Padres are not slowing down anytime soon!
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After Machado, the two players that the Padres have their eyes set on are right fielder Juan Soto and pitcher Josh Hader. Even though Soto isn’t entering the free-agency until after the 2024 season, the Padres are unwilling to take any chance and want to have one of the best in baseball in their corner. On the other hand, Hader will be testing free agency waters post the upcoming regular season. Therefore, after having Machado back, the Padres are on edge to seek Hader and Soto.
The New York Post recently revealed that the NL team is open to any long-term discussions with both players and will soon reach out to their best hitter and closer.
Notably, soon as the news went up on Twitter, it sent the fans into a frenzy of joy. Following are some of the reactions of baseball fans toward the Padres:
Nice when your owner has money and is willing to spend…think Soto hits free agency though
— PF (@RealistPF) March 3, 2023
From Hot Lava Talent to Mt. Crushmore. I like the character arc of the Padres.
— Sean D (@SeandreThaGiant) March 3, 2023
Imagine how much a ticket to game is going to cost!!!
— Dbarragan (@dbarragan44) March 3, 2023
Did not expect to get Hader’s name thrown in for an extension. Let’s see if Seidler and Preller can work it out with Boras.
— Gerald Casanada (@gdcasa22) March 3, 2023
the vision is almost complete
— ramado (@ohhellno4711) March 3, 2023
These San Diego dollars 💵
— 🧡⚾️💙🏀 🏒💙❤️🏈 (@MikeRee60259113) March 3, 2023
MY HEART
— KJ(#1 supporter) (@nando57_) March 3, 2023
LFGGGGGGG
— Razzor (@Razzor18K) March 3, 2023
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Personally speaking . The padres will try to give Soto an 11+ year contract to give them flexibility on payroll .
— looking to solve (@SolveLooking) March 3, 2023
While most baseball fans are excited about the Padres seeking Soto and Hader, a few of them are excited as well as shocked about it.
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If the San Diego Padres end up signing Juan Soto and Josh Hader by the end of this season, do you think they will have enough money to sign the two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!