Cover Photo: Getty Images
After a remarkably long wait, Manny Machado has signed with the San Diego Padres, according to Jeff Passan. This signing comes just in the knick of time, as the Padres' first spring training game is under a week away.
BREAKING: Free agent star Manny Machado has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres, league sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 19, 2019
While this is certainly exciting for MLB and Padres' fans alike, this move actually hurts Machado's fantasy value.
For one, Machado will now play half of his games at Petco Park this season, which is not exactly a batter-friendly ballpark.
Manny Machado to the Padres drops him from #8 in my fantasy rankings to #15. Major ballpark difference between there and Philly or South Chicago.
— Bobby Sylvester (@bobbyfantasypro) February 19, 2019
However, it should be noted that recently, Petco Park hasn't been quite the detriment to hitters that it once was. It still does hurt, however.
Petco Park hasn't been as extreme in recent seasons. Left-handed power is what really suffers. Last three years, righties have been taxed four percent on average, six percent on home runs. It's gotten a lot better.
— scott pianowski (@scott_pianowski) February 19, 2019
And if the following projections are anywhere close to true, Machado still projects as an elite five-tool player.
Manny Machado #Padres Projection, via THE BAT
— Derek Carty (@DerekCarty) February 19, 2019
627 PA
.369 wOBA (23rd in MLB)
.287 BA
33 HR
96 RBI
85 R
8 SB
Ultimately, Machado's fantasy value is likely going to take a hit with the San Diego Padres. They have Ian Kinsler, Eric Hosmer, and Wil Myers batting around Machado, but playing in that park isn't going to help.
With the Machado signing now out of the way, MLB fans will turn their collective attention to Bryce Harper.
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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.