Manny Machado is having his worst MLB season, with a .169 batting average and .596 OPS.
What happened?
Machado's struggles come as the Padres face a team-wide slump, hitting a Major League Baseball low of .214.
Manny Machado has played all 28 games in May, batting .127 with six homers and 14 RBIs.
Why it matters for Manny Machado
At 33, Machado is facing the challenges of aging, with his speed and ability to catch up to fastballs declining.
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, noted that "Father Time is the great equalizer" and affects all players.
What comes next?
Machado will need to adjust his game to continue performing at a high level, as he faces the ravages of time.
Machado's teammate, Nolan Arenado, has also faced challenges with aging, but has started making adjustments, hitting .256 with a .773 OPS.
Arenado told Forbes that "the skills are still there" but it takes more work to get ready.
Machado, on the other hand, is struggling to catch up to fastballs, with the game evolving and pitchers throwing harder.
He wishes to focus on the basics, saying "just see the ball, hit the ball."
The Padres have lost 11 of their last 13 games, and Machado's struggles are a key factor.
Machado's contract and age make his decline a significant concern for the Padres.
As the season progresses, Machado will need to find a way to overcome his struggles and contribute to the team's success.
The Padres' manager, Craig Stammen, has not given Machado time off, despite his struggles.
Machado is focused on the present, saying "I'm just thinking about what I have to do today."
The Padres will need to find a way to turn their season around, with Machado's performance being a key factor.
Machado's decline is a reminder that even the greatest players face challenges with aging.
As the 2026 season continues, Machado will need to find a way to adapt and overcome his struggles.
The Padres' fans are eager to see Machado return to form, but for now, he remains a work in progress.