Manny Machado sounds optimistic about future negotiations with Padres

As spring training kicks off, speculation regarding Manny Machado's future with the San Diego Padres has run rampant after the All-Star third baseman revealed he plans to opt out of his contract next offseason. 

Amid reports that the two sides are $145 million apart in negotiations, Machado mainly shared positive comments about agreeing on an extension with the Padres eventually. 

Speaking with The Athletic's Dennis Lin, Machado said, "Deadlines are deadlines," but added that nothing is off the table. 

"They know where I stand. The opportunity will arise if it comes to that," Machado said. "You know, nothing's out of question. Obviously, they know how much San Diego means to me and that I want to be here. At the end of the day, they knew exactly where I was when that deadline was set. And we'll see what happens. Our main focus right now is playing baseball. We'll see." 

Machado's comments don't scream that a deal is looming, but they don't rule out the possibility, either. 

The 33-year-old has five years remaining on a 10-year, $20 million contract. Still, with several players throughout the league signing extravagant deals, Machado will opt out of his after the season in order to cash in. He will either work out a new contract with the Friars or try his luck again on the free-agent market. 

San Diego wants to keep Machado, and by the sounds of it, he wants to stay. It's hard to believe the Padres, which own the third-highest payroll in baseball, won't cough up the extra cash to keep Machado around. Though, crazier things have happened.