The first domino has fallen, as Manny Machado has unexpectedly signed with the San Diego Padres.

As for the other big domino, Bryce Harper, it remains to be seen where he will sign.

Machado inked a 10-year/$300 million deal with the Padres as spring training begins. Bleacher Report called this deal, “the biggest free-agent contract in the history of American Sports.”

Machado set a career-high last season with a .297 AVG and posted respectable home run and RBI totals, with 37 and 107, respectively.

This move was quite unexpected, as the Padres only seemed to jump into Machado’s market in the past week. Machado was favored to sign with either the Yankees, White Sox, or Phillies.

Looking at this move from a logistical standpoint, it really does not make much sense for the Padres.

The Padres are home to one of the best farm systems in the MLB, and are coming off a season in which they lost 96 games. Paying Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado over $50 million a year to lose close to 100 games for the next couple seasons just does not seem to make sense.

Sophomore baseball lover Dom Casamassina said this about the Machado signing, “He only signed for the money. He didn’t sign to win a World Series. He shouldn’t have gone to the Padres but instead have gone to the Phillies.”

Nonetheless, Machado will slide in as the Padres starting third baseman/ shortstop and will give the Padres a much-needed marketing boost as they strive for contention in the upcoming seasons.