As the San Diego Padres continue to underperform, speculation about Manny Machado trade speculation to Yankees is heating up. The Padres’ situation has drawn comparisons to the recent unexpected midseason trade of Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers, fueling rumors that Machado might also be moved despite his importance to the team.
While unloading Machado’s sizable contract seems unlikely given his role with the Padres, the approaching trade deadline has sparked fresh discussions. On the Just Baseball Show, Peter Appel proposed a surprising scenario in which the New York Yankees could absorb Machado’s massive $350 million deal.
“I don’t think it’s outlandish, but again, it’s not going to happen,” Appel said (59:38). “The Padres need to get out from some money. I think Manny Machado is playing really well again. A lot of things would have to happen for the Padres to even consider this as a possibility.”
“Would some team take Machado off their hands? One team that I think could — are the New York Yankees,” Appel added.
The Challenges of Moving Machado’s Extensive Contract
Manny Machado’s contract, signed for 11 years and $350 million, is structured in a way that makes it exceptionally difficult for the Padres to trade him without absorbing significant financial setbacks. The Padres would need to agree to part with a large portion of the remaining salary while also obtaining Machado’s approval because of his no-trade clause.
“It’s $17 million this year, $25 million next year, and then it’s $39 million from 2027 to 2033 when he’s 40 years old. So, I think that’s almost an immovable contract,” Peter Appel’s co-host Aram Leighton said.
Despite the heavy financial burden, Leighton acknowledged that Machado’s current high level of play might make this one of the few times his contract could realistically be moved, even though it remains unlikely.
“But with him playing at this level — to Peter’s point — it’s the most movable that this contract will probably ever be,” Leighton added. “That’s what I’m saying. It’s not going to happen. But that is a good shout, actually, because of that.”
Uncertainty in Major League Baseball Keeps the Door Open
The unexpected and bold trade of Rafael Devers by the Red Sox reminds fans and analysts that MLB trades can defy expectations, no matter how surprising they seem. This precedent fuels the uncertainty surrounding the Padres and Machado’s future, leaving the possibility of a blockbuster trade alive, albeit remote.
As the June trade deadline draws near, all eyes will remain on the Padres, Machado, and potential suitors like the Yankees. Any move involving Machado would be significant given the size of his contract and his role on the field.