San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado revealed details on Sunday, April 26, 2026, regarding the organization’s aggressive pursuit of superstar Aaron Judge during the 2022 offseason. The revelation highlights the ambitious roster-building strategy led by the team’s late owner, Peter Seidler.
During an interview with ESPN’s Buster Olney, Machado explained that San Diego was a serious contender for the outfielder before Judge ultimately signed a nine-year, $360 million contract to remain with the New York Yankees. The Padres reportedly sought to create a historic offensive core featuring multiple elite stars.
“Man, it would have been impressive to see Aaron Judge in a Padre uniform. I knew he was never going to leave New York. I don’t think there was a chance for him to leave New York,” Machado said during the interview with ESPN. Machado noted that he would have made a similar choice given Judge’s status in New York.
The potential lineup envisioned by Seidler would have featured Judge alongside Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Juan Soto. Machado emphasized that the late owner was determined to assemble the best possible four-player combination to bring a World Series title to San Diego.
After missing out on Judge, the Padres pivoted during the same 2022 offseason to sign shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The club secured Bogaerts with an 11-year, $280 million deal, continuing a trend of high-level spending that has kept the team’s payroll in the top 15 of Major League Baseball since 2020.
The pursuit of Judge reflected the organization’s broader philosophy of aggressive acquisition through both free agency and trades. Despite the failed bid for the Yankees’ captain, the Padres have maintained one of the most expensive rosters in the league under the direction of the front office and ownership.
Current team operations continue to reflect the competitive standard established by Seidler. The Padres enter the current season positioned as contenders, maintaining the high-spending approach as they seek the first championship in the history of the franchise.