Machado Reaches 2,000 Career Hits, Joins Elite Club

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado reached his 2,000th career hit during Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the 298th player in MLB history and only the fifth active player to achieve this milestone. The hit was celebrated with a standing ovation at Petco Park. Machado is now among just 12 players to have at least 2,000 hits and 350 home runs by age 32, joining legends such as Hank Aaron, Lou Gehrig, and Albert Pujols. Despite being a six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Machado has never won an MVP award but has finished in the top five five times. He has accumulated over 1,000 hits in the past eight seasons, positioning himself for future milestones like 3,000 hits or 500 home runs. The Padres, currently in a Wild Card spot, continue to rely on Machado's leadership as they pursue postseason play.