Baltimore Orioles: Manny Machado and O’s have not discussed extension

Manny Machado is slated to become a free agent following the 2018 season. However, neither he nor the Baltimore Orioles have discussed a potential contract extension.

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has not discussed a contract extension with the organization.

And Machado is getting tired of answering questions about an extension, simply because there has been no progression for both sides.

Machado spoke to the media prior to the team’s first workout  in Sarasota on Saturday morning and had this to say about a potential contract extension:

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"“It’s something that, I’m not worried about it,” Machado said. “I’m trying to play baseball. I’m not going to sit here and answer these questions because there have been no talks. And when there is, you guys will probably be the first to know. To be honest, you might find out before me. I’m not worried about it. I came here to play baseball. Let’s just enjoy ourselves. This year, they’ve put a really good group of guys in this clubhouse. It will be really fun to play with them and see what we can do.”"

Machado won’t be in Spring Training for long. He’s slated to leave the Orioles in early March to participate in the World Baseball Classic, even with the recent injury to Adrian Beltre. However, Machado will play in early Spring Training games in order to shake off the rust.

Machado said the World Baseball Classic made it clear that he could play either shortstop or third base.

"“They made it clear I was going to be playing both regardless,” Machado said. “Whether [Beltre] is down now, I don’t know how long he’s going to be. I don’t know. They said he wants to try to come back and play. I’m under the impression I’m going to play both regardless. We’ll see. I told them I’ll play whatever. I really didn’t say one position. I’ll play short. I’ll play third. I told them I’ll play first; it don’t matter. I just want to go out there and represent the country and represent my family in the right way.”"

Machado indicated that he wasn’t interested in playing in all of the Spring games, especially since he anticipates playing approximately 160 games during the regular season and the World Baseball Classic in March.

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However, Machado is getting his work in just to get a feel for having quality at-bats. Machado believes he will play six to seven Spring games before he departs for the World Baseball Classic.