Manny Machado (31‧ San Diego) deserves to be said to be the core of San Diego, not only in terms of skills, but also in terms of leadership in the clubhouse. Although he is free-spirited, he is evaluated for bringing out the atmosphere of San Diego’s team, which is full of energy.

He takes good care of many players. Ha-seong Kim (28) also receives a lot of help from Macha-do. In the KBO League, he is a veteran who has gone through all kinds of prenatal battles, but in the Major League, he had to adapt to a new culture. He has no choice but to go through difficulties because he does not communicate well with the language and the culture is different. In situations where he could be lonely, Machado to the right of Kim Ha-sung would always encourage him.

Last year, when Kim Ha-seong contributed to the team with fantastic defense, Machado raised national topics by praising him as “a player like the heartbeat of the team.” It was a compliment that Kim Ha-sung’s energy is a great help to the team’s strength. However, this player may not be next to Kim Ha-sung next year.

Machado, who has been recognized for his genius since childhood and has been cruising on the major league stage, signed a 10-year, 300 million dollar contract with San Diego ahead of the 2019 season. Here is an opt-out clause (giving up remaining contracts and obtaining FA status). After receiving $140 million (approximately 178.4 billion won) in the first five years, the player decides whether to exercise an opt-out after the 2023 season. If exercised, he becomes a free agent, otherwise he will receive $160 million (approximately 203.8 billion won) for the remaining five years.

Because it was such a big contract, there was a view that “if possible, I will not opt ​​out” until the time of the contract. It was an analysis that there was no team that would treat more than 160 million dollars for 5 years at the age of 30. However, the market is not serious. Players’ ransom continues to rise, and the atmosphere is building that Machado is better off going to the market. 안전놀이터

After moving to San Diego, Machado recorded a batting average of 0.280, 108 home runs, 340 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.855 in 519 games for four years. The offense is top-notch in the league, and the defense isn’t bad either. Last year, he also finished second in the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting. He is still in peak form. I don’t see a big downhill.

It is good news for Machado that third basemen have landed big contracts one after another. A year ago, Atlanta signed Austin Riley to a 10-year, $212 million (approximately 270.1 billion won) contract. And a year later, Rafael Devers (Boston) signed an 11-year contract worth 331 million dollars (approximately 421.7 billion won). Of course, it is a contract that cannot be seen on the same line when considering the timing of the two players’ FA qualifications, but the performance of the two players themselves has been similar over the past two years. Obviously, the ransom of players is rising.

Machado turns 32 next year, and he’s still a player with a few more years to spend in his prime. He’s giving up five years, $160 million, and even if he loses somewhat on average per year, he’s also likely to prefer a long-term contract that could be his last free agent contract. No matter what choice he makes, it can be a perspective to see the end of this year.