Is Manny Machado Still Elite? One ESPN Analyst Just Gave His Verdict — and Padres Fans Aren’t Happy

Manny Machado is hitting .172. That number alone would be alarming for any MLB star, but for a player with a $350 million contract and a reputation as one of the game’s most complete hitters, it’s raising serious questions. And now one ESPN writer has formally declared what many San Diego fans have feared: Machado is no longer an elite hitter.

David Schoenfield, in a recent piece, ran through a series of statements about various MLB players and delivered his verdicts. For Machado, the statement was blunt: he’s not an elite hitter anymore. Schoenfield agreed — and didn’t mince words. The data backs it up: Machado’s .579 OPS through the season’s first two months is a career low, and the power that once made him a perennial MVP candidate has all but disappeared.

But Machado isn’t the only Padre facing scrutiny. Fernando Tatis Jr. is hitting .281, which is solid but deceptive. He has only two home runs, and his first didn’t come until May 30. The statement Schoenfield addressed for Tatis was that he has become a singles hitter. Schoenfield called that claim not real — arguing Tatis remains in his prime and will likely rediscover his power stroke as the season progresses.

Here’s the catch: Tatis is 25 and coming off a wrist injury and suspension. The power dip can be explained. Machado, on the other hand, is 31 and showing signs of decline that look less like a slump and more like a trend. The Padres have not confirmed any injury for Machado, and the team has not commented on Schoenfield’s analysis. But fans online have noted Machado’s swing looks slower, his exit velocities are down, and he’s chasing pitches he used to crush.

Despite the offensive struggles, San Diego was winning early — relying on pitching and defense to outlast opponents. That formula has cracked. The Padres are 3-7 in their last 10 games, dropping to second place behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their record sits at 35-32, eight games back in the NL West. Early-season optimism has given way to a grim reality: if Machado and Tatis don’t produce, this team isn’t going anywhere.

The question facing San Diego’s front office is whether to ride it out or make a trade. With the trade deadline looming and the Dodgers running away with the division, the Padres need a spark. Machado’s contract makes him nearly untradeable. Tatis is still young enough that dealing him would be a massive risk. For now, all San Diego can do is hope the stars align — and start hitting.