Report: Padres expected to pursue extension with Machado

Extension season in San Diego might not be finished.

The San Diego Padres are expected to explore a long-term extension with six-time All-Star third baseman Manny Machado before Opening Day, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

The report comes in the wake of the Padres and right-handed starter Yu Darvish agreeing to a six-year, $108-million extension.

Machado, 30, is eligible to hit free agency this winter, which would mean opting out of the remaining five years and $160 million owed on his current contract.

Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller recently stated his willingness to retain Machado, saying "it's more Manny's decision." Team owner Peter Seidler has also publicly admitted his desire to keep Machado.

Finishing as NL MVP runner-up last year, Machado could sign a very lucrative deal, even rivalling the current 10-year, $300-million pact he originally signed with the Padres prior to the 2019 campaign. A two-time Gold Glove winner and former Silver Slugger, Machado posted an .898 OPS with 32 homers and nine stolen bases over 150 games, finishing top five in MVP voting for the fourth time in his 11-year career.

Many players set extension negotiation deadlines of Opening Day to focus on playing during the season, though it's unclear if Machado - a client of MVP Sports Group - has done so. MLB Opening Day is scheduled for March 30, when all 30 teams will be in action and the Padres will host the division-rival Colorado Rockies.