Manny Machado is having the worst season of his career, batting .178 on June 13.

What's going wrong?

Machado knows he's among the worst hitters in the major leagues this year, well beneath the Mendoza Line.

He's been riding the interstate all year, hitting a buck-something as his San Diego Padres fell from a 19-9 start.

Machado's WAR is 1.4 in the red, on track for a career low in homers.

Why it matters for Manny Machado

Machado tells USA TODAY Sports that baseball players are masochists who love being tortured by the game's ups and downs.

He thinks it's why he loves the game, remembering all the bad times and good times to enjoy the full season.

The Padres will pay Machado $39 million a season from 2027 through 2033, a grim harbinger for that time if his performance doesn't improve.

What comes next?

Machado's dealings with the Padres and late owner Peter Seidler are an example of athlete-owner symbiosis, with Seidler compensating him handsomely twice.

Machado led the charge to power the Padres into relevance, fueling a rise in attendance, revenue, and franchise value.

The Padres have made the playoffs four times in the past six years, ranking second, third, or fourth in MLB attendance every season since 2021.

Machado says it's been awesome to see the city grow, with fans now upset when they lose, a transition he's enjoyed seeing.

The Padres were sold for a major league-record $3.9 billion, a testament to Machado's impact on the franchise.

Machado is confident of a season turnaround, ready to counter and ride the wave of the game's ups and downs.

He's still Machado, chest out, taking the punches, and loving every moment of it.

The season is starting to shrivel, down to 93 games for the Padres, but Machado remains optimistic.

He's been with the Padres since his $300 million contract, and then an 11-year, $350 million pact, making him a key part of the team's success.

Machado's performance this year could be a grim harbinger for the future, but he's focused on the present and turning his season around.

The Padres have invested in the product and reaped the rewards, with Machado at the forefront of their success.

Machado is entering his 34th birthday, but he's still got the passion and love for the game that drives him to succeed.

He's a masochist, loving the torture of the game, and that's what makes him a great player.

Machado will continue to ride the wave, enjoying every moment, and hoping to bring championships to the city of San Diego.