MLB: Manny Machado Is the Engine That Stirs the Drink for the Padres
The San Diego Padres have never reached the World Series, but it’s not for want of trying. The team has had some great players, like Manny Machado. So far this year, his skills have led to wild success for the franchise. Read on to find out more about how he’s contributed to the Padres’ success.
San Diego Padres
Founded in 1969, the Padres operate in the NL West and have won two NL pennants (1984 and 1998). Both years, they lost in the World Series. To date, San Diego has 15 winning seasons in franchise history. They are one of two California teams; the other is the LA Angels.
While the Athletics are based in California, they came from Philadelphia. The Dodgers and Giants, now known for their Californian roots, are originally from Brooklyn and Manhattan, respectively. Since 2017 when the Chargers relocated to LA, the Padres don’t share San Diego with any pro sports franchises.
In 2020, the Padres became the only team to hit a grand slam in four consecutive games against the Texas Rangers during the August series. They’re also the only MLB team to not have a no-hitter, with an 8,020 game record. The Padres may have had a rocky start. But they’re becoming a powerful force, especially with Manny Machado’s entrance.
Manny Machado
One reason Machado stands out: He was recruited from an early age and drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010. His MLB debut was in 2012. In 2013, he blazed a path to the American League All-Star team. At the same time, Machado led the league with 51 doubles and was one of the best MLB fielders, earning him his first Gold Glove Award.
Machado’s second was won in 2015, the same year he made the All-Star game. Fans often compare Machado to Brooks Robinson Known due to his defensive prowess. In 2018, he hit .313, had 21 home runs and 60 RBIs. He was traded to the Dodgers and helped them get to the World Series.
Machado struggled during this and the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox. During the offseason, Machado signed a contract with the Padres — the biggest in the history of U.S. sports at the time at $300 million and will last for 10 years. That’s quite a feat for his age.
2020 World Series
It’s been argued that the Padres’ success in 2020 has little to do with Machado, details CBS Sports. You’d be wrong though. Some say the 2020 season is abbreviated. But Machado has contributed to the Padres’ success with a .306/.374/.584 stats across 45 games.
Machado is a five-time All-Star and playing for one of the best MLB teams. You don’t get to do that if you’re not successful. And that, MLB fans, is one of the strongest attributes for the possibility of the San Diego Padres winning the 2020 World Series.
