TAMPA — Thoughts on the Padres reaching agreement Tuesday with Manny Machado for 10 years at $300 million, the largest free-agent contract in North American team sports history:
1. The Padres were among the teams interested in Bryce Harper, and Jon Heyman of MLB Network said, even with Machado, San Diego has not ruled out the lefty slugger. The White Sox and Phillies, who both fell short with Machado, remain in on Harper. Philadelphia is perceived as the favorite and Harper’s lefty might and starpower would fit well with an organization, whose owner talked about spending “stupid money” this offseason and has not yet done that.