The multiple-month freeze that’s been MLB free agency thawed a bit on Tuesday morning with news of Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres agreeing to a 10-year, $300 million contract. The deal leaves Bryce Harper as the undisputed top free agent still available.
Harper and Machado each went into the offseason seeking long-term deals worth at least $300 million. However, a second consecutive winter of tight spending from clubs, suggested those terms were unattainable.
The two superstar free agents received plenty of reported interest, and in some cases from identical teams. The Padres qualify as such despite being late entrants into the market.