What Happened to Manuel Arturo Machado?
Manny Machado is a prominent American professional baseball third baseman and shortstop for the San Diego Padres. Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010, he quickly rose to stardom, earning multiple All-Star selections, Gold Gloves, and Silver Slugger awards. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he signed a record-breaking contract with the Padres in 2019, which was further extended in 2023, solidifying his long-term commitment to the team despite facing an early-season slump in 2026.
Quick Answer
As of May 2026, Manny Machado is an active third baseman for the San Diego Padres, playing under an 11-year, $350 million contract extension signed in 2023 that keeps him with the team through 2033. While he recently achieved his 200th home run as a Padre and hit a walk-off in May 2026, he has been navigating an uncharacteristic early-season slump, batting .182 with six home runs and 20 RBIs through 43 games.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Drafted by Baltimore Orioles
Manny Machado was selected by the Baltimore Orioles as the third overall pick in the MLB draft.
MLB Debut with Baltimore Orioles
Machado made his Major League Baseball debut with the Baltimore Orioles.
First All-Star Selection and Gold Glove Award
Machado had a breakout year, earning his first American League All-Star selection and winning a Gold Glove Award for his defensive play at third base.
Second Gold Glove and 20/20 Season
He won his second Gold Glove Award and became the seventh Oriole to achieve a 20 home run and 20 stolen base season, playing all 162 games.
Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers
As an impending free agent, Machado was traded from the Orioles to the Los Angeles Dodgers and helped them reach the World Series.
Signs 10-year, $300M Contract with San Diego Padres
Machado signed a then-record-breaking 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres, marking a significant shift in the team's trajectory.
NL MVP Runner-Up
Machado had an outstanding season, finishing second in the National League MVP voting.
Signs 11-year, $350M Contract Extension
Machado signed a new 11-year, $350 million contract extension with the Padres, including a full no-trade clause, keeping him with the team through 2033.
Undergoes Right Elbow Surgery
Following the 2023 season, Machado underwent right elbow extensor tendon repair surgery, with a recovery time of 4-6 months.
Becomes Padres' All-Time Home Run Leader
Machado hit his 164th home run as a Padre, breaking Nate Colbert's record to become the franchise's all-time home run leader. He also earned his second Silver Slugger Award this year.
All-Star and Third Silver Slugger Award
Machado was named an All-Star for the seventh time and won his third Silver Slugger Award, batting .275 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs.
Hits Walk-Off Winner and 200th Padres HR
Machado delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly to secure a 3-2 victory for the Padres against the Cardinals. In the same series, he belted his 200th regular-season home run since joining San Diego.
Navigating Early Season Slump
As of mid-May 2026, Machado is experiencing an uncharacteristic early-season slump, batting .182 with six home runs and 20 RBIs through 43 games, though he remains a clubhouse leader.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Manuel 'Manny' Arturo Machado, born July 6, 1992, in Miami, Florida, emerged as a highly touted baseball prospect from Brito High School. He was selected by the Baltimore Orioles as the third overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft, signing a $5.25 million contract. Machado made his MLB debut in August 2012 and quickly established himself as a defensive wizard and potent hitter, earning his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award in 2013.
Machado continued to be a cornerstone for the Orioles, making multiple All-Star appearances and winning another Gold Glove in 2015. As an impending free agent in 2018, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping them reach the World Series. Following the 2018 season, Machado became one of the most sought-after free agents in MLB history.
In February 2019, Machado signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres, which was, at the time, the largest free-agent contract in American sports history. This move signaled a new era for the Padres, as they aimed to build a championship-contending team around him. He quickly became a leader for the franchise, earning an All-MLB First Team selection in 2020 and finishing as the National League MVP runner-up in 2022.
In February 2023, Machado further solidified his commitment to San Diego by signing an 11-year, $350 million contract extension, which includes a full no-trade clause and keeps him with the Padres through the 2033 season. That same year, he hit his 300th career home run and underwent right elbow extensor tendon repair surgery after the season. The 2024 season saw him reach his 1,000th career RBI and become the Padres' all-time home run leader with 164, also earning his second Silver Slugger Award. In 2025, he continued his strong performance, being named an All-Star and winning his third Silver Slugger Award, batting .275 with 27 homers and 95 RBIs in 159 games.
As of May 2026, Machado is navigating an uncharacteristic slump, batting .182 with six home runs and 20 RBIs through 43 games. Despite his individual struggles, he recently hit his 200th regular-season home run as a Padre and delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly on May 10, 2026, against the Cardinals. His contract is set to see a significant salary increase in 2027, bringing higher expectations for his performance. He reached the 2,000-hit milestone, strengthening his Hall of Fame case, and is on pace to reach 3,000 career hits and 500 career homers.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Manuel Arturo Machado made different choices?