Dodgers' Decision to Let Manny Machado Walk After 2018 Validated by Padres Bombshell Report
Though his introduction to the 2018 roster helped propel the team to another NL West crown, the Dodgers found one of their starry additions at the deadline worth more trouble than they were willing to pay for that winter.
Concerning Manny Machado's questionable competitive nature, his attitude and other clubhouse catastrophes, his current team in the San Diego Padres have reports on multiple character issues, seemingly vindicating LA's choice to cut him loose. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune dropped a bombshell report regarding the Padres' chemistry issues, with Machado at the center of them.
The issue, several sources said they believe, is a lack of engagement. This, according to multiple veterans who have been with the Padres for varying lengths of time and most who have also played for other teams, is largely borne of the team’s best players being on their own programs to some extent. And, in particular, it is the product of there being an outsized presence who commands the room, a man who has shown the ability to carry a team but has not exhibited the ability nor inclination to lift it. [Manny Machado] According to several veterans, what also does not exist is a team with a “winning culture” that doesn’t include the best players being the hardest workers and those players demonstrating in word and deed to the rest of the team what is expected and tolerated.
While Acee acknowledged that blaming Machado entirely would be unfair due to the injuries that the team has suffered, his attitude hasn't exactly been stellar during his time as a Padre.
Avoiding any opportunity to hustle on top of being accused of dirty play during his time as a Dodger, Machado is San Diego's issue now at a hefty price tag.
Even though he homered twice in his recent return to Chavez Ravine, LA is sleeping just fine at night knowing their place in the standings and Machado's place off of their payroll.
Machado is finishing the first year of an 11-year, $350 million contract extension he signed this offseason.
