Padres GM Preller Responds to Machado's $300M Contract Quip

Machado's endorsement of Preller may have ulterior motives, Padres GM suggests.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller responded to star third baseman Manny Machado's endorsement of him, joking that Machado's comments were likely influenced by the $300 million contract extension Preller signed him to in 2019. Preller acknowledged Machado's deal has changed the franchise, but said the Padres are still seeking their first World Series title under his leadership.

Why it matters

Machado's contract is the largest in Padres history and has raised expectations for the team to contend for a championship. Preller's future as GM may hinge on the team's ability to take the next step and win a pennant, despite Machado's public support.

The details

Padres GM AJ Preller is entering the final year of his contract, but Manny Machado, the team's star third baseman, recently endorsed Preller and wants to see him remain with the franchise. However, Preller joked that Machado's positive comments were likely influenced by the $300 million contract extension Preller signed him to in 2019. In seven seasons with the Padres, Machado has been a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, but the team has yet to win a World Series title despite making the playoffs four times since his arrival.

  • Preller signed Machado to a $300 million contract extension in 2019.
  • Preller is entering the final year of his contract as Padres GM in 2026.

The players

AJ Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres, who signed Manny Machado to a $300 million contract extension in 2019.

Manny Machado

The star third baseman of the San Diego Padres, who has been named to the All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger award three times since joining the team in 2019 on a $300 million contract.

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What they’re saying

“You give out a $300 million contract, you usually get those kind of comments,”

— AJ Preller, Padres General Manager (USA Today)

What’s next

The Padres will need to make a deep playoff run in 2026 for Preller to remain as the team's general manager beyond the expiration of his current contract.

The takeaway

Manny Machado's $300 million contract with the Padres has raised the expectations for the team to win a World Series, and Preller's future as GM may depend on the team's ability to take that next step under his leadership, despite Machado's public endorsement.