**Breaking News: Manny Machado Reflects on Leaving the Baltimore Orioles**
The Baltimore Orioles have recently seen an influx of talent at third base, with Gunnar Henderson emerging as one of the premier players in baseball and a potential MVP candidate. Before Henderson, the Orioles were graced by Manny Machado, who played for nearly a decade and established himself as a consistent MVP contender before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018.
After leaving Baltimore, Machado signed a lucrative 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres. While he has maintained a high level of performance, the team has struggled to achieve significant success in recent seasons.
Recently, Machado appeared on Adam Jones’ podcast, where he shared his thoughts about his former team.
When asked if he still connects with his old Orioles teammates, Machado expressed that he maintains contact with several individuals, stating, “My roots are still there.
I still miss the city and I still follow the team.” This sentiment reflects a lingering connection to Baltimore, even as his career has taken him to the West Coast.
Since Machado’s departure, the Orioles have undergone a complete roster transformation, evolving from a struggling team into a competitive force on the verge of a dynasty. This contrasts sharply with Machado’s experience in San Diego, where, despite acquiring star players like Blake Snell and Juan Soto, the Padres missed the playoffs in 2023, while the Orioles celebrated a remarkable 101-win season and topped the AL East.
At just 31, Machado still has time to pursue a championship, but the thought of Baltimore potentially winning a title without him may lead to regrets. The current trajectory of the Orioles suggests they are building something special, raising questions about Machado’s decision to leave.
In conclusion, Machado’s reflections on his time with the Orioles highlight the strong ties he still feels towards the city and the team. As the Orioles position themselves for future success, Machado’s choice to remain with the Padres could weigh heavily on him, especially if Baltimore achieves the championship glory he once sought. The ongoing developments in both teams’ trajectories will undoubtedly shape how Machado views his past decisions and their impact on his career moving forward.
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