The 2022 San Diego Padres are Manny Machado‘s team.
Whether that remains a reality next year, when Fernando Tatis Jr. returns from his suspension, or in the future with Juan Soto around remains to be seen, but right now, the Padres see him as the leader of their current postseason push.
Machado, fortunately, is acting and playing like the leader the team needs.
He continues to perform at an elite level, and recently tied two former Padres greats with a specific record.
“Manny Machado joins Tony Gwynn (1988) and Gary Sheffield (1992) as the only @Padres to have 8+ straight multi-hit games,” MLB Stats tweeted.
Manny Machado joins Tony Gwynn (1988) and Gary Sheffield (1992) as the only @Padres to have 8+ straight multi-hit games. pic.twitter.com/34iV6i4FzZ
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 17, 2022
Eight straight multi-hit games is something reserved to really talented hitters who are also locked in at the plate at a specific stretch.
Machado Keeps Having A Stellar Year
It’s definitely not easy to achieve, but Machado is a special hitter.
Before Thursday’s games, the third baseman is slashing .305/.377/.532 with 21 home runs, 76 runs scored, 73 RBI, seven stolen bases, and a .909 OPS,
Keep in mind he lost several games due to injury, which makes his stats even more impressive.
He has a shot at a .300 average, 30-homer season if he keeps this up.
Combine that with his stellar defense at the hot corner, and the Padres have a legitimate MVP candidate in the National League.
Machado has been the best player for the 66-54 Padres, as they look to make the postseason and take advantage of their contention window.
He has been particularly hot in the last 15 games, hitting .400/.463/.700 with three home runs and 15 RBI.
Can the Padres surprise the top NL powerhouses in the postseason?
It will be tough, but if Machado keeps performing like his last few weeks, anything can happen.
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