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 (MLB). Highly recruited from an early age, he was raised in Miami, where he attended Brito Miami Private School and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles with the third overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with Baltimore in August 2012 and has since established himself as an All-Star player with multiple accolades, including numerous Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.
Early Life and Background
Manuel Arturo Machado was born on July 6, 1992, in Miami, Florida. He was raised by his mother, Rosa Machado, along with his grandfather, Francisco Nunez, and his uncle, Geovanny Brito. Machado has Dominican heritage and grew up in Hialeah, where he developed a close friendship with future MLB center fielder Albert Almora, whom he considers a cousin. He attended Brito Miami Private School, where he excelled in baseball and committed to play at Florida International University. Growing up, Machado was a fan of the Florida Marlins, which further fueled his passion for the sport.
Path to Baseball
Machado was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft, with the third overall pick. He was the second high school player drafted and signed a $5.25 million contract just minutes before the deadline. Before joining the Orioles, he played for the USA Baseball’s 18-and-under national team during the summer of 2010. Machado made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast League Orioles on August 27, 2010, where he quickly showcased his talent. He played for the Low-A Aberdeen IronBirds and was later promoted to the Double-A Bowie Baysox, where he continued to impress scouts and fans alike.
Manuel Arturo Machado Career
Early Career (2012–2018)
Machado made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles on August 9, 2012, against the Kansas City Royals. He quickly made an impact, hitting his first two career home runs the following day, making him the youngest Oriole to achieve a multi-homer game. In his rookie season, he played in all 51 remaining games, finishing with a batting average of .262 and earning a spot on the American League All-Star team in 2013. That year, he led the league in doubles and won his first Gold Glove Award, establishing himself as one of the best fielders in the game.
Breakthrough (2013–2018)
Machado’s breakout year came in 2013 when he was named an All-Star and led the league with 51 doubles. He continued to build on his success, earning a Gold Glove Award and being recognized for his defensive skills, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. In 2018, Machado was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he helped the team reach the World Series. He finished the season with a combined batting average of .297, 37 home runs, and 103 RBIs across both teams.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Machado has achieved significant milestones, including being named a 7× All-Star and winning multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. He signed a historic 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres in 2019, which was the largest free-agent contract in American sports history at the time.
Manuel Arturo Machado Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Manuel Arturo Machado has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting his outstanding performance on the field.
Manuel Arturo Machado Awards Won
Manuel Arturo Machado has won several awards, including 7× All-Star selections, 2× All-MLB First Team honors, a Platinum Glove Award, 2× Gold Glove Awards, and 3× Silver Slugger Awards.
Manuel Arturo Machado Family
Manuel Arturo Machado is married to Yainee Alonso, the sister of MLB player Yonder Alonso. The couple resides in Coral Gables, Florida, during the offseason.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Machado is known for his love of basketball, particularly for his admiration of the late Kobe Bryant. He has a dog named Kobe in honor of the basketball legend. Machado is also part of the ownership group for San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer expansion team that began play in 2025.
