Manny Machado left the 2025 MLB All-Star Game with a clear and confident message aimed at San Diego Padres fans. Speaking at Truist Park, the third baseman looked beyond the current challenges, expressing firm belief that the team’s offense—key to their success—will improve significantly during the second half of the season. This statement arrives as the Padres battle to maintain the National League’s final Wild Card position.
Following his All-Star appearance, Machado candidly admitted,
“We played our worst ball so far, so the best is yet to come.”
His assurance didn’t come from mere hope but from confidence that the Padres’ offense, currently ranked near the bottom in runs per game, possesses untapped potential to turn things around. He urged his teammates to improve their collective hitting consistency, emphasizing
“We’ve all got to string some good at-bats together as a group.”
The Padres hold a 52-44 record, eight games above .500, largely sustained by a bullpen boasting a 3.20 ERA and sound defensive effort. Yet, the club’s inability to score more than two runs in 35 games highlights a significant hurdle that needs addressing if they aim to solidify their postseason chances.
Core Batters and the Drive Toward Stable Offensive Production
The Padres’ lineup features talented hitters such as Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Luis Arraez, Xander Bogaerts, and Jake Cronenworth. Though flashes of strong individual performances have surfaced, the group as a whole has yet to consistently produce the level of offense characteristic of championship contenders.
Machado stands out as the team’s most dependable offensive force, exhibiting a .292/.350/.490 slash line complemented by 17 home runs and 22 doubles. His impressive .914 OPS in July signals that he is heating up as the stretch run begins. Tatis Jr., who faced recent slumps and criticism over inconsistency, has also bounced back with a .956 OPS over his last 14 games.
Other players have struggled for steady results—Jackson Merrill’s streaky performance continues, and Luis Arraez is operating below his usual standards. Xander Bogaerts offers promise with a .266/.344/.369 batting line, while Jake Cronenworth has reliably contributed throughout the season.
The Padres’ offensive depth remains a concern. Gavin Sheets has emerged as an unexpected asset, but beyond him, the left fielders and catcher positions—including Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado—have yet to provide consistent offensive value. The designated hitter role and pinch-hitting opportunities also represent areas needing reinforcement.
Pitching Strengths Provide Stability Amid Offensive Struggles
Despite the offense’s challenges, San Diego’s pitching staff has kept the team competitive, even amid injuries. The return of Yu Darvish bolsters the rotation, and Michael King’s anticipated comeback in mid-August will add further depth. Dylan Cease, leading the rotation, is set to face the Washington Nationals but carries a 4.88 ERA.
The Padres’ bullpen stands as a pillar, excelling in close games with outstanding effectiveness across 78 contests decided by one or two runs. Manager Mike Shildt, familiar with managing tight games from his tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals, recognizes this low-scoring approach is unlikely to hold for the entire season and stresses the need for more robust offense going forward.
Outlook for the Padres’ Second Half and Playoff Potential
As the Padres prepare to open the post-All-Star stretch against the Nationals, their low strikeout rate—ranking third-best in MLB at 18.9%—offers a competitive edge, especially against Washington’s starter Michael Soroka. With a pitching staff ranked sixth in ERA, the foundational defense and pitching can provide the support needed for an offensive resurgence.
If the Padres’ core hitters can deliver more consistent production and general manager A.J. Preller acquires a key offensive bat before the trade deadline, the team could transform from mere Wild Card hopefuls into strong postseason contenders. Machado’s confident prediction that their best is yet to come may soon be validated as San Diego eyes a revitalized charge in the second half of the season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Manny Machado ever win a World Series?
A. Manny Machado is among only five current players with 350 home runs. Since then, he has become a fully matured player. However, he still hasn’t won a World Series.
Q. What surgery did Manny Machado have?
A. San Diego Padres stated that third baseman Manny Machado underwent surgery on his right elbow in Los Angeles on Tuesday. His recovery is expected to take about four to six months.
Q. Did Manny Machado win a World Series?
A. Manny Machado hasn’t won any championships during his career so far.
Q. Will Manny Machado be a Hall of Famer?
A. Manny Machado is expected to be the next player from the San Diego Padres to join the MLB Hall of Fame.