MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players in the game today

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 09: Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) during an at bat in the second inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers played on April 9, 2019 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, CA – APRIL 3: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park April 3, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

6. Manny Machado

After waiting almost all winter and being penciled into the New York Yankees starting lineup a bit prematurely, All-Star third baseman Manny Machado surprisingly found himself signing a 10-year, $300-million deal with the San Diego Padres. It’s doubtful Machado could have envisioned the Padres, of all teams, stepping up with $30 million per season in his wildest dreams. He’s not alone; no one pegged the Padres as Machado’s eventual landing spot.

The four-time All-Star has moved off shortstop back to third base for the Padres and has gotten right back to producing highlight reel play after highlight reel play. His brief foray back to shortstop last year notwithstanding, there might not be a better defender at third base in the league than Machado, and that includes some very strong competition from Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman.

Machado has been almost perfect back at third base for the Padres, but is off to a much slower start at the plate. As April draws to a close, he is hitting just .244/.337/.447 with four home runs and nine RBI. Petco Park might be beautiful, but it will take some time to get used to hitting there after spending seven years in the AL East. While the power numbers may be lacking, Machado’s plate discipline has ticked way up and he is on pace to set a new career high in walks.

The Padres are building something special after years of constantly rebuilding, and Machado will be the one to lead them. He is a bit of a polarizing figure with his “Johnny Hustle” comments and occasional antics, but he is undeniably one of the 10 best players in the league.

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