Padres News: Is It Time for a New Legend? Rethinking the Padres' Mt. Rushmore

Recently, Manny Machado solidified his place in San Diego Padres history by becoming the franchise's all-time career home run leader, hitting his 164th home run in a game against the Seattle Mariners . This milestone is a testament to Machado's impact on the team since his arrival in 2019. His current season statistics are equally impressive, leading the Padres with 26 home runs, 94 RBIs, and 147 hits, further underscoring his crucial role in their success.

The achievement has sparked a debate among fans and analysts over whether Machado deserves a spot on the Padres' "Mt. Rushmore"—a concept recognizing the four greatest players in team history. This discussion gained traction on the Big 5 podcast , where Chris Ello and Tony Gwynn Jr. shared differing opinions. Ello took a cautious stance, praising Machado’s accomplishments but suggesting he still has more to prove: "I wouldn’t put him there quite yet." In contrast, Gwynn Jr. expressed a more optimistic view, stating that Machado has already earned his place among Padres legends. He highlighted Machado's current achievements and his potential for future greatness, saying, "He’s going to continue to soar," showing confidence in Machado’s future contributions to the team.

Machado’s commitment to the Padres was solidified in February 2023 when he signed an 11-year contract extension, indicating that he will likely retire as a Padre. This long-term deal gives him ample time to further cement his legacy, with the potential to set even more records and milestones for the franchise.

As Machado continues his journey with the Padres, the debate over his place among the all-time greats remains ongoing. His consistent performance, ability to break records, and leadership on the field suggest that he is well on his way to becoming an enduring figure in the franchise’s history. For now, the conversation reflects both Machado’s undeniable talent and the evolving narrative of the Padres as a team poised for future success.

Related: Padres News: Veteran Teammate Steps Up as Ha-Seong Kim's Lingering Injury Opens Door for Opportunity

Going Deeper

• Is It Time to Make Room For a New Face on the Padres' Mt. Rushmore?
• Padres Notes: Manny Machado Surpasses Nate Colbert, Luis Campusano Optioned, Bob Melvin's Surprising Sentiment
• Do you believe a new face should be added to Mount Rushmore?
• YouTube Video on Franchise Discussions
• Reddit Discussion on Franchise Mount Rushmore