Manny Machado’s Postseason Performance Under the Microscope
The San Diego Padres find themselves in a precarious position as the season winds down, with their hopes of capturing the NL West slipping away against their perennial rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the team’s aspirations for a National League Wild Card spot remain intact, creating an atmosphere steeped in pressure. This weight falls particularly heavily on one player: Manny Machado.
Machado’s Dual Identity as an MVP Candidate
Since joining the Padres in 2019, Manny Machado has consistently positioned himself as a leading MVP candidate. He has not only made his mark as a formidable third baseman but also etched his name into the franchise’s history books as the all-time home run leader. Despite his accolades, including two Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards, Machado’s postseason performance has yet to mirror his regular-season excellence.
With a career postseason batting average of .215 and a .638 OPS, Machado’s playoff numbers have raised eyebrows. Analysts, including Tim Kelly, have scrutinized not only his statistics but also his effort during critical moments in the postseason. A particularly notorious instance occurred during the 2018 World Series when Machado, then with the Dodgers, faced backlash for failing to run out a ground ball in the NLCS. His response to the criticism was telling:
“Obviously I’m not going to change, I’m not the type of player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle,’ and run down the line and slide to first base and you know, whatever can happen.”
A Glimmer of Hope in 2022
Despite the scrutiny, Machado’s 2022 postseason marked a turning point, as he posted a career-high batting average of .271. His four home runs during that playoff run showcased the kind of performance that Padres fans have come to expect from the seven-time All-Star.
As the Padres aim to secure their first Commissioner’s Trophy, the stakes have never been higher for Machado. For the team to realize its championship aspirations, an elevation in hustle and intensity from their star player may be imperative. The road to postseason success is often paved with hard work and determination, and for Machado, the time to step up is now.
