By WFAN.com
There is no denying Manny Machado's talent.
The 26-year-old hit .297/.367/.538 with 37 home runs, 35 doubles, 107 RBI and a 6.2 WAR in 162 games between the Orioles and Dodgers this past season on his way to his fourth career All-Star Game.
However the superstar infielder raised some eyebrows during the postseason last month after he made comments that brought his effort into question.
>>MORE: Report: Mets 'Seriously Considering' Offers For Syndergaard
"Obviously I'm not going to change, I'm not the type of player that's going to be 'Johnny Hustle,' and run down the line and slide to first base," Machado told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
As Machado prepares to hit the FA market for the first time in his career, one of the stars of the 2018 free agent class attempted to clear up the puzzling comment that has brought a lot of negative attention his way over the last few weeks.
"When I was asked that question, I was definitely on the defensive, and I was wrong to answer it the way that I did, because looking back, it doesn't come across how I meant it," Machado said in an interview with Mark Feinsand of MLB.com Wednesday. "For me, I was trying to talk about how I'm not the guy who is eye wash. There's a difference between fake hustle for show and being someone who tries hard to win. I've always been the guy who does whatever he can to win for his team.
"But I know how I said it and how that came across, and it's something I take responsibility for. I look forward to talking with each GM and owner that we meet with about that, or any other questions they have."
Machado will have plenty of suitors this winter, and is expected to receive offers in the $300 million range.
