The San Diego Padres are inching closer to securing a spot in the National League Wild Card round, possibly facing the Chicago Cubs. Although there’s still hope of catching the Dodgers for the NL West title, the Padres’ current performance leaves fans and analysts cautious about their postseason prospects.
The focus is particularly intense on third baseman Manny Machado, according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly. Machado, a seasoned 15-year veteran, has struggled in the latter part of the season. With only six home runs in the past two months compared to 20 in the earlier months, his recent form raises questions. In September alone, Machado’s performance was lackluster, batting just .170 until a more promising game with a 3-for-5 performance.
Historically, Machado’s playoff record isn’t stellar. He holds a postseason batting average of .215 with a .638 OPS. Last year, his playoff contributions were modest, with just five hits in 28 at-bats, including a single home run. His postseason best was in 2020, with a .271 average, four home runs, and a .910 OPS. As the Padres look toward the playoffs, they hope to see this high-performing version of Machado.
San Diego, a franchise eager for its first World Series title, counts on Machado to make history with a standout playoff performance that could redefine his career. The Padres’ history in the World Series has been limited to two appearances, in 1984 and 1998, both times falling short of the title. Machado’s efforts in the postseason have faced scrutiny, notably from his 2018 tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where his hustle was questioned. Machado has previously expressed a reluctance to change his laid-back playing style.
With the 2025 MLB Playoffs approaching, this could be the opportunity for Machado to redefine his legacy and perhaps add a World Series win to the Padres’ history. For San Diego’s loyal fans, a transformative playoff performance by Machado could turn past criticisms into a celebration of his talents.
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