Machado: 'I'd rather win a ring than sign a long-term contract'

The Baltimore Orioles and franchise player Manny Machado are riding out his arbitration eligibility after the sides agreed to a one-year, $11.5-million deal on Jan. 13.

Machado and the Orioles have yet to engage in long-term contract negotiations, however, which Machado said isn't a priority just yet. Speaking with reporters Saturday at Orioles FanFest, Machado said: "I'd rather win a ring than sign a long-term contract," according to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com.

The talented third baseman added he'd be willing to discuss a lengthy deal when "the time is right," per Dan Connolly of Baltimore Baseball.

Machado's future in Baltimore is going to be closely monitored until 2019, when he's slated to hit free agency for the first time. A player of his caliber on the open market at 26 years old doesn't happen very often, and with the New York media already pining for Machado in pinstripes, contract discussions will continue to be a hot topic.

Zach Britton, another valuable member of the Orioles, reiterated that he's yet to negotiate an extension, but said there's "mutual interest" in getting one done.