Manny Machado signing with the Texas Rangers isn’t totally far-fetched

Would Machado even want to sign with Texas?

Ah yes, the million dollar question…well, $300 million, actually.

Honestly, it’s very unlikely a superstar in his prime wants to tolerate a couple of bad team seasons before turning the corner. That statement alone could end this conversation.

With that said, there’s a lot to like about a youthful team on the rise. Machado would be the star of the show and he would inherit a leadership role. He wouldn’t be sharing the limelight with other headline players like he would be in New York or L.A.

He’s voiced his preference to play shortstop rather than third. While the Rangers would not be able to accommodate said preference immediately, they could shift him from third to short if Andrus is traded or if he opts out following the 2019 season.

If the Rangers wanted to, they could offer up an annual salary of $30 million. Would they go as far as offering him 10 years? Probably not. Though, I’m not entirely sure Manny Machado would want a 10-year contract.

Top-tier professional athletes want guaranteed money, but they also want flexibility. They don’t want to be handcuffed by one team for too long, especially if things aren’t going to plan. At 26 years old, Machado probably wants freedom to roam.

He’ll want opt out clauses within a front loaded contract. A four or five-year deal would fit the bill, granting him freedom when he is still in prime shape at the age of 30 or 31.

Ultimately, the Texas Rangers have enough on their side to at least intrigue Manny Machado. They have the funds, the outlook, the space and a new ballpark to provide him.

Will Machado choose Texas as his landing spot? Probably not, but it’s definitely worth it for the Rangers to play their hand in the Machado sweepstakes. He’ll eventually choose east coast or west coast, but at least you have yourself some tasty food for thought.