Manny Machado is off to a very hot start in 2022, as are the San Diego Padres.
San Diego is 19-11 and just a game-and-a-half behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West division.
Machado himself has picked up 43 hits in 30 games.
In 113 at-bats, Machado is hitting .381 with seven homers, 21 RBI, and a 1.082 OPS.
Machado is proving to be worth every last penny the Padres spent on him when they signed him prior to the 2019 season.
In fact, Machado’s 43 hits in 30 games is the most since Tony Gwynn had 45 hits in 30 games back in 1997, which tied his own record that he initially set back in 1992.
Manny Machado's 43 hits this season are the most by any Padres player through 30 games since Tony Gwynn had 45 through 30 games of 1997 (which tied his own franchise record initially set in 1992). pic.twitter.com/7vmC2GtoQU
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 10, 2022
Matching A Legend
Machado is now chasing a Padres legend.
Tony Gwynn was “Mr. Padre.”
He was the man that defined their franchise.
Now, Machado is pushing for some history.
To be anywhere near Gwynn in Padres history is an impressive feat in its own right, but to be that close to one of his records is insane.
Machado is one of the best hitters in the game today and now is starting to rival Gwynn in Padres’ history, slowly getting closer to Gwynn’s record from 1997.
The Padres brought Machado in to lead the next generation of young Padres stars and he is setting the perfect example for San Diego’s younger players.
If there’s one player in Padres history you want to emulate, Gwynn would be it and Machado doesn’t seem to have any problems shouldering that responsibility.
He is the new leader of this team and is rivaling Gwynn as one of the best players to ever put on the Padres uniform.
NEXT: Manny Machado Pacing All NL Stars So Far In 2022