San Diego Padres could boast incredible defensive infield with Manny Machado

Now that the signing of Manny Machado is all but assured, the San Diego Padres could have an incredible defensive infield.

The San Diego Padres have made an impressive splash in free agency. Despite being a late entrant into the Manny Machado Sweepstakes, they have come away with the perennial All Star. He immediately improves their lineup, a true middle of the order bat that will make the surrounding lineup better. Although there may be some question as to how his offense will play up at Petco Park, Machado’s power and all around ability with the bat will remain intact.

Machado also provides another benefit for the Padres beyond what he brings to the lineup. He is a superlative defensive third baseman, one who can potentially make a game changing play with ease. In fact, adding him to the Padres infield could give San Diego the best defensive infield in the game once the prospects are ready.

Of course, this hinges on where Machado plays on defense. He has been a mediocre shortstop, with average range, but having cost his teams 16 runs at the position. Although short may be his preferred position on the diamond, one cannot ignore his performance at third. A two time Gold Glove winner, and the winner of the 2013 Platinum Glove, Machado has saved 57 runs at the hot corner. He is third amongst active players in runs saved at the position, and in just 731 games, ranks 28th all time.

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His partner across the diamond can only help with Machado’s defensive ability at third. While Eric Hosmer may never hit enough to justify the eight year, $144 million contract that he signed in the previous offseason, he has a stellar reputation defensively. A four time Gold Glove winner, his presence at first will help with any errant throws, despite his defensive metrics grading out as being somewhat below average. Hosmer is one of those players where the eyeball test shows more than the seven runs he is considered to have cost his teams defensively.

Likewise, Hosmer will help with young shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. There had been questions as to whether or not he would end up at third, as he appears similar to Machado defensively. There is no questioning his arm, which would certainly play up in that hypothetical position change, but it is thought that Tatis will outgrow the position. For now, however, the Padres view Tatis strictly as a shortstop, and his athleticism should keep him there for the foreseeable future.

Their remaining long term piece on the infield, Luis Urias, does not come with those same questions. While he may not be the offensive force that Tatis is projected to become, he is still a solid hitter with plenty of gap power. However, Urias’ best trait may be his defense. He is another sure fielder with a strong arm, displaying above average range and solid instincts at either second or short. He showed glimpses of that potential in his brief stint in the majors last season, saving the Padres a run over his 12 games at second.

Obviously, there is still more work to be done if the Padres are going to contend. The pitching staff needs help, and another impact bat could make a difference in that lineup. However, the potential of the Padres infield, especially defensively, could prove to be an asset as soon as the middle of the 2019 season.

The San Diego Padres signing of Manny Machado will be a tremendous boost to the lineup. Just as importantly, his presence on defense will help the Padres improve as they look to get closer to contention.