Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are key figures for the San Diego Padres, both playing vital roles since 2019 at Petco Park. Machado joined the team as a free agent, while Tatis Jr. earned his spot after being promoted from the minors that same year. Despite their shared impact, former Kansas City Royals All-Star Eric Hosmer recently expressed his view that Machado surpasses Tatis Jr. in overall quality.
On a recent episode of the Baseball Is Dead podcast, Hosmer emphasized Machado’s consistency and career longevity as deciding factors.
“Someone asked me the other day, I was doing [a] Royals pregame [show] a month ago, and they asked me Manny [Machado] or [Fernando] Tatis [Jr.]? I’m saying Manny,”
Hosmer said (46:43).
“If you look at the longevity of Manny’s career, it’s a hundred RBIs every year, it’s 30 [home runs] every year. He’s done it for 13 straight years.”
While acknowledging Tatis Jr.’s remarkable talent, Hosmer pointed out that sustained performance counts significantly in baseball evaluations:
“Tatis has talent. If he puts it all together, he can probably put together a better season than Manny’s put together. But, in baseball, the fact that Manny’s done that 13 years, that’s got to play some kind of role into it.”
Both Machado and Tatis Jr. Earned All-Star Honors After Strong Seasons
Following a tough postseason loss in 2024, the Padres entered 2025 with a renewed ambition to secure their first-ever World Series championship. Currently positioned second in the National League West and third in the NL wildcard standings, the team remains on course to reach the playoffs and contend for the title.
Amid an impressive collective effort, Machado and Tatis Jr. have been standout contributors. Machado is currently batting .302, with 20 home runs and 72 RBIs, demonstrating his continued offensive strength. Tatis Jr. holds a .261 batting average, accompanied by 17 home runs and 45 RBIs. In addition to their batting stats, both players have delivered dependable defensive plays, reinforcing their importance on the field. Their performances earned them All-Star selections this season, underscoring their status among baseball’s elite.
Looking Ahead: The Padres Await the Crucial Stretch of the Season
As the regular season progresses toward its final stages, Padres fans are hopeful that Machado and Tatis Jr. can maintain their high levels of play. With the postseason looming, their contributions will be critical to the team’s success. Machado’s proven track record of steady production and Tatis Jr.’s dynamic ability provide the Padres with a powerful combination capable of making a deep playoff run.
The debate over who reigns supreme between these two stars reflects the broader conversation about consistency versus potential in baseball. For now, Eric Hosmer’s perspective highlights the value of sustained excellence, particularly in a sport where longevity often separates good players from great ones.