PEORIA, Ariz. — Padres general manager A.J. Preller flew to Miami to meet with Manny Machado and his wife at some point in the past week, a step that indicates the sides continue to work toward a possible agreement.
The 26-year-old free agent is the team’s first choice to fill its immediate vacancy at third base.
It is not believed Machado is close to settling on his next team, with the Padres being among the contenders along with the Phillies and White Sox and possibly others.
Neither the Padres nor Machado’s agent would comment on the meeting.
Preller, along with general partner Peter Seidler and manager Andy Green, previously flew to Las Vegas to meet with right fielder Bryce Harper, the other marquee free agent on the market.
Neither the numbers that have been exchanged nor the formality of any offers are known, but sources said this week that both free agents are aware of the Padres’ level of interest.
It is believed both players are seeking an average of around $30 million a year.
Machado, a four-time All-Star who is one of four players to have had a WAR of 5.9 or higher in three of the past four seasons, is the more natural fit for the Padres given their lack of a proven third baseman and depth in the outfield.
Harper, an All-Star six times in seven seasons, is also being courted by the Giants, Phillies and White Sox and possibly others.