Phillies Target Machado to Sign With San Diego Padres

One of the big free agents is off the board.  And he's not signing with the Phillies, either. Free agent infielder Manny Machado has a new home.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the deal is for 10 years and $300 million.

We do not yet know what position Machado will play with the Padres.  The Padres have a top prospect in shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr., so playing shortstop may not be part of the deal.  The Padres are in the middle of an organizational rebuild.

The Padres signed first baseman Eric Hosmer to an eight-year contract prior to 2018.  The two pieces will help anchor the Padres.

So the Phillies remain in the mix for Bryce Harper.  Reports indicate that Harper's deal will eclipse this deal, which at the moment is only behind the $325 million signed by Giancarlo Stanton with the Miami Marlins.  Harper's deal will also beat that deal, as well.

All eyes are on Harper, the Phillies, the also-interested Chicago White Sox, and potentially the Washington Nationals, who might match a deal.