Now that Manny Machado is set to join the San Diego Padres, the next question is: What kind of an impact will he have in…
Now that Manny Machado is set to join the San Diego Padres, the next question is: What kind of an impact will he have in 2019 and beyond?
The Padres already have one of the best, if not the best farm system in baseball, so even though they finished last season with a 66-96 record, the immediate future seems significantly brighter.
A two-time Gold Glove winner at third base, Machado instantly gives the Padres a huge upgrade at a position that had no clear occupant entering the winter. But his greatest contributions will come at the plate. Let’s take a closer look:
San Diego’s Petco Park has been notoriously pitcher-friendly since it opened in 2004. However, last season it tilted slightly hitter-friendly (+3% above average in scoring, according to ESPN’s Park Factors).
Meanwhile, Machado’s two home parks last season – Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Dodger Stadium – were both below-average in promoting scoring.
