Machado Leads Padres Amid Struggles and Milestones

Manny Machado remains a key leader for the San Diego Padres during a tough 2025 season, leading NL third basemen in All-Star votes and posting a .311 batting average, 12 home runs, and 46 RBIs. Since joining the Padres in 2019, Machado has played a major role in transforming the team, helping them reach the postseason three times and shifting their reputation from perennial underperformers to contenders. The Padres, however, have struggled recently, losing eight of their last eleven games and falling behind in both the NL West and Wild Card standings. Machado is nearing major milestones with 2,000 career hits and 400 home runs, inspired by legendary players Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and Albert Pujols. Despite his individual success and a recent home run in a close loss to the Royals, the team has been hampered by injuries and suspensions. The Padres are relying on Machado's leadership as they attempt to recover and make a playoff push.