In April, after edging closer to a unique achievement, Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres pondered a thought shared by a teammate. Although he can’t recall who proposed it, the notion has lingered with him: could Machado be the last player to reach 3,000 hits?
“It does sound crazy,” Machado acknowledged, “but you can see how the game is evolving.” Just shy of his 33rd birthday, Machado stands on the brink of joining an exclusive group. Currently, only four active players—Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, Andrew McCutchen, and Paul Goldschmidt—can claim at least 2,000 hits. Inching closer, Machado needs just 28 more to reach that milestone.
This decade has shown a notable decline in players achieving such milestones; just twenty years ago, there were 27 players with over 2,000 hits. The game is shifting, with pitchers now throwing with unprecedented velocity and hitters often opting for power over contact. While contact hitters are not extinct, the current trend favors home runs and strikeouts.
In the past six years, the league’s batting average has remained beneath .250, and if the season ended today, the average on balls in play would hit a 33-year low. Players like Arraez—who leads the league in batting—highlight the difficulty of maintaining high averages in today’s game.
As Machado aims for 2,000 hits before turning 33, he enjoys a lucrative $350 million contract that extends through 2033. After dealing with injuries over recent years, he appears to be hitting well and has avoided significant physical issues lately, marking him as one of baseball’s consistent performers. In his recent performances, Machado’s batting average rests at .317, showcasing his impressive offensive capabilities.
Over the years, Machado has garnered accolades for his hitting and defensive skills. After debuting at just 20 with the Baltimore Orioles, he progressed rapidly from being a solid player to a three-time All-Star and a Platinum Glove winner. His remarkable availability has contributed to his ongoing success—a boon in an era where injuries frequently sideline many players.
As discussions of the future unfold, many wonder if Machado could be the last to achieve 3,000 hits. With his current performance and the evolution of baseball, it seems this milestone might become increasingly elusive. Despite this uncertainty, Machado’s outlook remains optimistic. “I’m confident that great players will continue to emerge and records will be broken,” he said, reflecting on the significance of his current accomplishments and future goals.
