The San Diego Padres made a significant move at the trade deadline, trading several prospects to acquire All-Star talent, all with the aim of securing a postseason berth for the second year in a row. Manny Machado, the Padres’ third baseman, outlined the team’s ambitions following these changes, emphasizing their focus on surpassing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West standings.
“Try to go win it all,”
Machado said.
“That’s been our goal. We’ve got to go through the Dodgers. So hopefully, go out there and compete for that division and ultimately try to bring a championship to the city, which is our main goal.”
—Manny Machado, Padres Third Baseman
Machado’s History and Impact in the NL West Rivalry
Machado, who spent the latter half of 2018 with the Dodgers, produced impressive numbers by hitting 13 home runs and driving in 42 RBIs over 66 games. However, his departure to their division-rival Padres in the offseason left many Dodgers fans disappointed. Since joining San Diego, Machado has recorded some of his best career performances, becoming a key figure in the Padres’ pursuit of dominance in the NL West.
Currently, the Padres trail the Dodgers by three games, benefiting from a challenging July for Los Angeles. The roster upgrades made at the deadline have fortified the Padres, positioning them well despite holding second place in the division.
Crucial Series Between Padres and Dodgers to Shape Division Race
With two important series scheduled in August between these rival teams, the NL West race could hinge on these matchups. While the Dodgers have claimed victory in five of seven contests this season against the Padres, the upcoming games offer an opportunity for San Diego to close the gap and potentially overtake Los Angeles.
Before facing the Padres, however, the Dodgers must first contend with the Tampa Bay Rays in an upcoming series this weekend, which could impact their momentum heading into critical divisional clashes.
Implications for the NL West and Championship Aspirations
The Padres’ aggressive moves and Machado’s leadership highlight the narrowing gap in the NL West. If San Diego manages to surpass the Dodgers, it could reshape the playoff picture, intensifying competition in the division and setting the stage for a potential World Series contender from the West Coast. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as both teams vie for supremacy over the coming weeks, with the Padres aiming to translate their ambitions into concrete victories.