Manuel Arturo Machado Bio
Manuel Arturo Machado is an American professional baseball third baseman and shortstop for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. Born on July 6, 1992, in Miami, Florida, Machado was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the third overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in August 2012 and has since established himself as one of the most accomplished players at his position, earning seven All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards, three Silver Slugger Awards, and two All-MLB First Team honors. In February 2019, Machado signed a landmark 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres, the largest free-agent deal in American sports history at the time. He currently resides in Coral Gables, Florida, with his wife, Yainee Alonso.
Early Life and Background
Machado was born and raised in Miami, Florida, by his mother Rosa Machado, his grandfather Francisco Nunez, and his uncle Geovanny Brito. Of Dominican heritage, Machado grew up in Hialeah alongside future MLB center fielder Albert Almora, and while they share no blood relation, the two consider each other cousins. Machado attended Brito Miami Private School and committed to play collegiately at Florida International University before beginning his professional career.
Growing up, Machado was a fan of the Florida Marlins and idolized basketball legend Kobe Bryant. He later chose jersey number 8 during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a tribute to Bryant, and he named his dog Kobe in honor of the late NBA star. His upbringing in the baseball-rich environment of South Florida helped develop the skills that would make him one of the top prospects in the country.
Path to Professional Baseball
Machado established himself as one of the top high school prospects in the country during his time at Brito Miami Private School. His exceptional defensive skills at shortstop and raw offensive potential drew attention from major league scouts across the country. He demonstrated advanced plate discipline and defensive instincts well beyond his years, setting the stage for his future as a top draft selection.
The Baltimore Orioles selected Machado in the first round, with the third overall selection, in the 2010 MLB draft. He signed a $5.25 million contract just minutes before the deadline on August 16, 2010, becoming the second high school player drafted and the second position player selected that year. Before beginning his professional career, Machado spent the summer of 2010 playing for USA Baseball’s 18-and-under national team.
Manuel Arturo Machado Career
Minor Leagues (2010–2012)
Machado made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Orioles on August 27, 2010, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout as the designated hitter. He hit his first professional home run in his second game. He then debuted with the Low-A Aberdeen IronBirds on August 30, 2010, playing shortstop and going 1-for-3 with a single.
He began the 2011 season with the Delmarva Shorebirds, where he hit five home runs before May 1 and was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week. After appearing in the SAL All-Star Game, he was promoted to the High-A Frederick Keys. He was named to the 2012 All-Star Futures Game, further solidifying his status as one of baseball’s top prospects.
Baltimore Orioles Breakthrough (2012–2018)
The Orioles promoted Machado to the majors from Double-A Bowie Baysox on August 9, 2012. He started at third base and, the following day, hit his first two career home runs, becoming the youngest Oriole and 12th youngest player in major league history to have a multi-homer game. In his rookie season, he played 51 games, hitting .262 with 7 home runs and 26 RBIs.
Machado’s breakout year came in 2013 when he earned his first All-Star selection while leading the American League with 51 doubles. He won his first Gold Glove Award and became the first Oriole third baseman to win the award since Brooks Robinson’s 16-year run from 1960 to 1975. He also won the AL Platinum Glove Award. However, his season ended prematurely on September 23 when he suffered a left knee injury reaching first base, requiring reconstructive surgery that October.
After missing most of 2014 due to knee surgery recovery, Machado returned in 2015 to play all 162 games, batting .286 with 35 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. He became the seventh Oriole to have a 20-home run, 20-stolen base season and won his second consecutive Gold Glove Award. He finished fourth in American League MVP voting.
Machado continued his dominance in 2016 and 2017, earning additional All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the most complete players in baseball. In 2017, he became the first Oriole in franchise history to collect 270 extra-base hits before turning 25 and hit three walk-off home runs in a single season, the most by any MLB player that year.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2018)
On July 18, 2018, Machado was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Yusniel Diaz, Dean Kremer, Rylan Bannon, Breyvic Valera, and Zach Pop. Unable to wear his traditional number 13 with the Dodgers, he chose number 8 in honor of Kobe Bryant. In 66 games with Los Angeles, he hit .273 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs, helping the Dodgers win the NL West pennant and reach the 2018 World Series.
San Diego Padres Era (2019–Present)
Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres on February 21, 2019, the largest free-agent contract in American sports history at the time. In his first season in San Diego, he hit .256 with 32 home runs and 85 RBIs while leading the majors with 24 double plays grounded into.
The shortened 2020 season saw Machado flourish, as he hit .304 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs in 60 games, finishing third in National League MVP voting. He earned his first Silver Slugger Award and was named to the All-MLB First Team. In 2021, he led the National League with 11 sacrifice flies while batting .278 with 28 home runs and 106 RBIs.
Machado’s 2022 season was exceptional, as he hit .298 with 32 home runs and 102 RBIs, finishing second in NL MVP voting behind Paul Goldschmidt. He earned another All-MLB First Team selection. On February 28, 2023, he signed an 11-year, $350 million extension keeping him with the Padres through 2033. On July 15, 2023, he hit his 300th career home run. He underwent right elbow surgery in October 2023 but returned to form in 2024, becoming the Padres’ all-time home run leader and earning his second Silver Slugger Award.
Driving Style and Strengths
Machado is renowned for his exceptional defensive prowess at the hot corner, drawing frequent comparisons to Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson during his early years with the Orioles. His smooth actions, strong arm, and quick reflexes have made him one of the most reliable defenders at third base throughout his career. Offensively, he combines power with the ability to hit for average, having recorded multiple 30-homer seasons while maintaining a career batting average near .280.
Notable Events and Milestones
Machado has accumulated numerous milestone achievements throughout his career. He became the Padres’ all-time home run leader in September 2024, surpassing Nate Colbert’s record of 163. He reached his 350th career home run in June 2025 and recorded his 2,000th career hit in July 2025, becoming the fifth active player to reach that milestone. His 10-year, $300 million contract in 2019 reset the market for free-agent contracts in American sports.
Manuel Arturo Machado Career Wins
Throughout his MLB career, Machado has established himself as one of the premier players at his position, accumulating impressive statistics across multiple categories. His career totals through June 2026 include 2,124 hits, 384 home runs, and 1,188 RBIs with a .275 batting average. He has been recognized with numerous individual awards and has been a consistent performer in high-pressure situations.
Major League Baseball Honors
Machado has been selected to seven All-Star Games (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2025) and has earned All-MLB First Team honors twice (2020, 2022). He won the Gold Glove Award twice at third base (2013, 2015) and the Platinum Glove Award in 2013 as the American League’s top defensive player. His three Silver Slugger Awards (2020, 2024, 2025) recognize his excellence as one of the best hitters at his position.
International Achievements
Despite being born in Florida, Machado chose to represent the Dominican Republic internationally due to his strong family heritage. His grandfather grew up in La Vega, Dominican Republic, and Machado was nicknamed “El Ministro de la Defensa” during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he was named MVP of the first round’s Pool C after batting .357. He helped lead the Dominican Republic team during that tournament.
Minor League and Pre-Major League Honors
Before reaching the majors, Machado was recognized as one of the top prospects in the 2010 draft class. He was named South Atlantic League Player of the Week in April 2011 while with the Delmarva Shorebirds and appeared in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game. In 2009, he played for the United States 18-and-under national team in the COPABE Pan Am “AAA” Championship, helping the team win a gold medal with an 8-0 record.
| Series | Wins | Top Tens | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Star Selections | 7 | ||
| Gold Glove Awards | 2 | ||
| Silver Slugger Awards | 3 |
Manuel Arturo Machado Family
Family Background and Heritage
Machado was raised in Miami by his mother Rosa Machado, his grandfather Francisco Nunez, and his uncle Geovanny Brito. His family traces its roots to the Dominican Republic, specifically the city of La Vega, where his grandfather grew up. Machado’s decision to represent the Dominican Republic in international competition was deeply influenced by his family’s heritage and his desire to honor his relatives who supported his career.
Personal Life
In November 2014, Machado married Yainee Alonso, the sister of former MLB player Yonder Alonso. During the offseason, Machado and his wife reside in Coral Gables, Florida, where they own two homes. During the baseball season, they live in Coronado, California. Machado’s agent is Dan Lozano, though he was represented by Scott Boras during the early portion of his career. He is part of the ownership group for San Diego FC, an expansion team in Major League Soccer that began play in 2025.
2025 Season Performance
Machado continued his productive 2025 season with the San Diego Padres, building on his strong 2024 campaign. On April 8, 2025, he scored his 1,000th career run with a solo home run against the Oakland Athletics. He reached several significant career milestones during the first half of the season, including his 350th career home run in June and his 2,000th career hit in July, joining an exclusive group of active players to achieve both feats.
His consistent performance at the plate and steady defense at third base kept him among the National League’s top performers. Machado earned his seventh All-Star selection in 2025 and his third Silver Slugger Award, highlighting his continued excellence as one of baseball’s premier players at his position. The Padres relied heavily on his veteran leadership and production as they pursued a playoff berth in the competitive National League West.