Report: Padres enter Manny Machado sweepstakes

The San Diego Padres are reportedly a surprise entrant in the Manny Machado sweepstakes.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have decided to pursue Machado as a third baseman after reports emerged that he may be available for less money than anticipated.

Acee says that the Padres are “legitimate suitors” for Machado despite their late entry into the situation.

Machado’s market has largely been limited to three or four teams this offseason, depending on who you ask, with the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies considered to be the primary suitors. The New York Yankees have been involved, but there are conflicting reports as to how interested they actually are.

Depending on how serious their rivals are, the Padres could have a very real chance. It likely depends on how much they’ll be willing to pay up, and how close they come to meeting Machado’s demands.