Yankees’ 2024 free agency hopes take hit with Padres insider’s prediction

Excited for 2024 when Josh Donaldson is gone, aren’t you, New York Yankees fans? Excited for Manny Machado to opt out of his contract with the San Diego Padres so general manager Brian Cashman can redeem himself after botching free agency after the 2018 season?

Well, it’s probably best not to get your hopes too high, because it appears as if the Padres won’t be going down easy in their pursuit of the six-time All-Star.

On top of owner Peter Seidler quickly coming out to express the team will ensure Machado remains in San Diego long term, one notable Padres insider has predicted the slugger will get another gigantic deal with his current team, whether it be via an extension or in free agency after he opts out.

The silver lining, though? The insider, Dennis Lin of The Athletic, believes Machado will secure another $300 million contract from the Padres. If we were to bet on it, the Yankees won’t be paying another 31-year-old player that kind of money after re-signing Aaron Judge for $360 million.

In the end, it’s likely going to be back to the drawing board for the Yankees when it comes to addressing the third base position once Donaldson is gone.

Yankees Rumors: Padres insider predicts Manny Machado will re-sign with SD

Here’s what Lin said in his most recent column (subscription required):

"“Seidler has proven his willingness to lavish vast sums on star talent, and he’s already gone on the record about wanting to retain Machado. Here’s guessing that, either before or sometime after the end of next season, Machado becomes the first major leaguer to land a second $300 million contract — and that he gets it in San Diego.”"

Lin also noted that Machado was with Seidler in Colorado recently, as the two were touring the Rockies’ new state-of-the art-clubhouse because the Padres are looking to upgrade theirs.

Machado’s input was of the utmost importance, and it doesn’t seem like Seidler would be soliciting the opinion of someone who would be leaving after the 2023 season.

As for the Yankees, they have no prospects in their top 30 who can play third base. There’s Andres Chaparro, though, who hit Double-A last year and tore the cover off the ball across 64 games (19 homers, 52 RBI, .963 OPS). Maybe he’s a dark horse option?

In next year’s free agency class, Matt Chapman, Gio Urshela and Joey Wendle seem like the only suitable veteran options, but none are exactly appealing.

Let’s just maybe pencil in DJ LeMahieu at the hot corner until his contract is up after the 2026 season, shall we?

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