If we consider his Baltimore Orioles’ days, you may think Manny Machado is at least 35 years old: he has been around for a while.
But since he started off his MLB career so young, at 19 years old, you may be surprised to learn he is still somehow 29.
He will turn 30 in a few days, but remains very much an elite slugger and a great all-around producer for this current team, the San Diego Padres.
Since he has been so consistently great offensively, he just completed an impressive feat: 1,500 hits.
Only six third baseman have reached 1,500 hits through their age-29 season (with a minimum of 50 percent of their games at the hot corner): they are Eddie Mathews, Ron Santo, George Brett, Freddie Lindstrom, Adrian Beltre, and now Machado.
One of only six 3B to accomplish the feat. pic.twitter.com/0pc1LFoOB9
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) June 16, 2022
If he remains healthy and productive for another 10 years, which would be the exception rather than the rule, he has a realistic chance at being the next 3,000 hits holder in baseball.
A Hall Of Fame Resume In The Works
Reaching 3,000 is not a lock for him: it’s definitely not easy to remain a productive MLB hitter in the late-thirties.
But if he keeps up a similar level of performance, he could definitely find himself in the National Baseball Hall of Fame five years after hanging up his cleats.
He already has 262 home runs, 785 runs, and 793 RBI, and could realistically reach 400, 1,000, and 1,000, respectively.
If we include his excellent defense at shortstop and third base, his case is even stronger.
For now, the talented third baseman is leading the Padres in the absence of Fernando Tatis Jr.
He is slashing .322/.396/.536 with 11 homers, 46 runs, and 42 RBI.
Those numbers have him as one of the candidates to win the NL MVP award.
NEXT: Video Shows Fernando Tatis Jr. Making Minor Progress