“He Really Hoped That There’s a Way..”: Manny Machado’s Close Aide Explains the MLB Star’s Shocking Opt-Out Before $350 Million Extension

Manny Machado has been a reliable superstar for the San Diego Padres since joining them in 2019. He has put up great numbers while playing a leadership role for the franchise. But this off-season he caused a stir by announcing he would opt out of his deal following the 2023 season. This caused considerable panic among the Padres fans as they thought they’d lose their franchise star. 

But Machado and the Padres agreed on an 11-year $350 million contract, ending any chance of him leaving. Most recently, Machado’s trainer revealed some shocking details that despite threatening an opt-out, the Padres star never intended to leave.

Manny Machado never wanted to leave the San Diego Padres

Although Manny Machado said he was opting out after 2023, he never wanted to leave the San Diego Padres. His trainer Nick Soto revealed this fact while appearing on the Talking Friars Podcast. Soto said that Machado was hoping to get a deal done with the Padres during the off-season. In fact, the Padres star had wanted to get a new deal done for a while now. Soto also mentioned that Machado was over the moon that a deal was done. 

While on the podcast, Soto said, “I can remember even, even being in San Diego visiting him last year and him saying that he really really hoped that there’s a way that they could figure it out. Because he wanted to stay there. He’s, he’s over the moon that they got it done.” He also said this about Machado’s deal, “He’s got his home there now. He’s so happy there. And he said it would’ve sucked to have to leave”. 

Read More: Fresh Report Following Manny Machado’s Colossal $350 Million Deal Spells Joy For San Diego Padres Fans

Over the past few seasons with the Padres, Machado has been a perennial MVP candidate. He finished second in NL MVP voting last season after a great all-around season. And with this, Machado has become the face of the franchise and is the Padres’ undoubted leader. 

Machado is happy to retire with the Padres

Manny Machado has signed an 11-year $350 million deal, committing himself to the San Diego Padres. The star third baseman will be 42 when this deal ends, making it incredibly likely that he will retire with the Padres. Furthermore, he has openly said that he’s happy to retire with this team. 

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The only thing left for him to do is go and win a World Series. What do you think about the fact that Machado never intended to leave the Padres? Please share your thoughts below!