Third baseman Manny Machado is currently in his seventh season playing for the San Diego Padres and his fourteenth year overall in Major League Baseball. Since being selected third overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2010 MLB Draft, Machado made his debut on August 9, 2012, and spent seven seasons with Baltimore before a midseason trade landed him with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018.
In February 2019, Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres, his division rivals, then secured an 11-year, $350 million extension in February 2023. His contributions have been vital, helping the Padres reach the playoffs for the first time in 14 years with appearances in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Milestones and Current Season Performance
Machado’s performance in 2025 continues to impress, as he maintains a .289 batting average with an .822 OPS, along with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs over 86 games. Recently earning his seventh All-Star selection, he took a moment to recognize the team spirit in the Padres’ clubhouse.
“You guys are just a part of this as much as I am. So, thank you guys for being there every single day and grinding.”
—Manny Machado, San Diego Padres third baseman
A two-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger recipient, Machado has ranked in the top five for MVP voting four times. He is also approaching a remarkable milestone, sitting within five hits of 2,000 career hits, which would make him the 268th player in MLB history to reach that mark at just 32 years old. In June, he joined the elite 350-home run club as the 103rd player to achieve this feat.
Leadership and Reliability in San Diego
Beyond his statistics, Machado’s durability stands out. He remains the only Padre to start every game this season, reinforcing his status as the team’s iron man and a key leader in the clubhouse. His ongoing excellence inspires teammates and fans alike, underscoring his significance to the Padres’ success and future ambitions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Manny Machado have?
A. Manny Machado, a key player for the San Diego Padres, had surgery during the offseason to fix tennis elbow in his right arm. He has been throwing for about six weeks and recently started practicing more intensely on the field. Machado mentioned that hitting and fielding ground balls are not difficult for him.
Q. Is Manny Machado a future Hall of Famer?
A. Manny Machado is on his way to definitely becoming an MLB Hall of Famer. His career has had many highs and lows. Still, Machado, playing as a third baseman, is expected to reach the Hall of Fame. At one time, people in Major League Baseball saw him as a villain.
Q. What happened to Manny Machado?
A. Throughout the 2023 season, Machado dealt with severe pain in his right elbow, identified as tennis elbow. During the offseason, he had surgery, requiring recovery that extended into the 2024 season. He started the year playing as a designated hitter (DH) and balanced his time playing third base.
Q. Has Manny Machado ever won a gold glove?
A. Throughout his career with the Orioles, Dodgers, and Padres, he became an All-Star six times. Additionally, he earned two Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger Award. He achieved these successes while handling the pressures of growing up in the spotlight as a closely watched prospect.