Manny Machado Struggles at Plate

Manny Machado is off to a rough start this season, with a .169 batting average as of June 8. The San Diego Padres need him to turn it around to boost their offense.

What's going on with Manny Machado?

Machado's struggles at the plate are a major concern for the Padres. He is currently slashing .169/.254/.342, which would be career-worst marks.

Career lows for Machado

Machado's expected batting average and expected slugging percentage are also at career lows. He is not having success with any pitch type, batting .200 against fastballs, .113 against breaking balls, and .172 against offspeed pitches. The Padres offense is suffering as a whole, ranking last in average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.

What's causing Machado's struggles?

Machado's bat speed has gradually declined since 2023, but the drop from last season to this season is only 0.2 mph. His approach at the plate has not changed much, with similar chase and whiff rates to last season.

Potential solutions for Machado

Machado's swing mechanics may be the cause of his struggles, with his average attack angle dropping from 8 degrees to 6 degrees. He needs to find a way to turn it around and start hitting like his old self. Machado has historically been able to feast off fastballs, but that has not been the case this season. He has a run value of -5 against sinkers, which is tied for the seventh-worst mark in all of MLB. The Padres are counting on Machado to figure it out and start producing at the plate. Machado is now 33 years old, so age may be a factor in his decline. However, his walk rate is actually up roughly two percent from last season. Machado's strikeout rate has increased by four percent, but that alone does not explain the gravity of his decline. The Padres need Machado to start hitting and boost their offense.