If it’s true — and it is, according to ESPN, CBS Sports and other outlets — that the San Diego Padres have agreed to terms with free agent infielder and professional hitter Manny Machado, then that’s the craziest thing that’s happened since Hitler invaded Poland and thought he could get away with it.

Machado’s contract would be the most lucrative free agent deal in American Sports history: $300 million for 10 years. The opt-out is after five years, so Machado, a youthful 26 and in his theoretical prime, could re-enter the free agent market at age 30.

Here’s why it’s dumb, in my humble:

It’s not because it immediately brings to mind the deal another California team, the Anaheim/Los Angeles/California Angels, made with Albert Pujols back in 2012: 10 years, $240 million. Pujols was likely a first-ballot Hall of Famer even then, but at 32, the St. Louis Cardinals said “Seeya,” and wisely so. Pujols will likely end his career with 700 homers but he’s been in decline since going west from the Heartland, he can’t run, and his backloaded contract makes it nearly impossible for the Angels to get any players to help Mike Trout.

Machado is 26, has already played parts of seven big-league seasons, and is a baseball stud, bonafide. He’s averaged 31 home runs and 37 doubles a year during that time, with the Orioles and, part of last season, with the Dodgers.

Homey can play.

But … he’s a hothead. I know this because I’m an Orioles fan (I know … but I swear, they used to be good) and I’ve lived it. He’ll get suspended at some point for fighting. And he plays a high-risk position as a sometimes shortstop.

But if the Padres have the loot, good for them. Smoke em if you got em. And good for Manny, who’ll play in an awesome park and town.

But I bet $300 million that the Padres will regret it.

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