San Diego Padres
· 2026-07-11
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado is openly questioning why the team's $3.9 billion sale is taking so long. The Padres, sitting 11th in the National League with a 46-47 record after a 1-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 10, are stuck in limbo while ownership talks drag on. Machado's comments add pressure on MLB and the ownership group to finalize a deal that could reshape the franchise's future.
Machado didn't hold back. He told reporters he's frustrated by the lack of clarity around the sale process. The star infielder wants answers — and fast. He said the uncertainty is tough on players, especially with the trade deadline looming. Machado's voice carries weight in the clubhouse, and his public stance signals real unrest.
The sale, which would be one of the largest in MLB history, involves multiple ownership groups and league approval. Sources say the holdup centers on financing details and MLB's vetting process. The Padres have been owned by the Seidler family, but a sale to a group led by businessman Sheel Seidler has hit snags. No official timeline has been set for a vote by MLB owners.
The Padres are in a tight spot. They're 46-47, 11th in the NL, and just dropped a series to the Diamondbacks. Their next game is against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 11. With the trade deadline weeks away, the front office needs direction. A sale in limbo makes big moves harder. Machado knows that. He wants clarity so the team can either buy or sell with purpose.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said he expects the sale to be resolved soon, but soon isn't a date. The Padres play on, trying to climb back above .500. Machado's comments might speed things up — or at least force the league to address the delay publicly. For now, San Diego waits. The $3.9 billion question hangs over every game.