This morning, it was revealed that Manny Machado’s 2014 contract for the Orioles was renewed.
Well, Machado was disappointed and let the Baltimore press know about it. He did get more than the minimum — $19,000 – and a bonus ($100,000 for winning the Gold Glove).
From the Baltimore Sun: “It is disappointing, but at the end of the day, you just have to go out and play,” said Machado, who made $495,000 last season and received a $25,000 bonus for making his first All-Star team. Similarly, the Platinum Glove bonus will not be calculated as part of his 2014 base salary.
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Machado’s case is particularly intriguing because, with a year and two months service time, he has little negotiating leverage in accordance with Major League Baseball’s payroll structure. Yet he is clearly one of the key members of the club.
The Orioles could have given Machado a larger raise based on his production, but that is something typically not done with players in his situation. Matt Wieters, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis all went through similar scenarios before they reached their arbitration years.
Sadly, Machado is at the mercy of the Orioles when it comes to his deal.
The Orioles made a business decision and Machado will live with it. Simply, if Machado produces, he’ll get paid – and then some – when his time for arbitration comes up.
Finally, he also added:
“I’d love to be an Oriole forever. I love the organization, I love the fans here. I love everything about this, and putting the uniform on every day,” said Machado, who hit .283 with 14 home runs, 71 RBIs and a league-leading 51 doubles in 156 games in his first full major league season. “I just want to be treated fairly. That’s it.”
Cool to hear. Not sure if it is lip service, but nice to see he cares, shows passion and has the drive…