A new team has emerged in the Manny Machado sweepstakes.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the San Diego Padres have declared interest in the 26-year-old shortstop as long as the price tag stays within their reach.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres were not the initial "mystery team" rumoured to be in pursuit of Machado as San Diego began their chase last week. Acee adds they are pursuing him to play third base after refining their focus to free agents versus the trade market. They have also been connected to free agent Mike Moustakas at the hot corner.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported earlier in the month that Machado received a seven-year, $175 million offer from the Chicago White Sox, but his agent claimed the offer was much higher.

Machado hit a career-high 37 home runs and hit .297 last season split between the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.