Is there a more exciting third basemen in the game today to watch than Manny Machado?
The plays he is somehow able to make including his strong throws across the diamond have become a staple of his game, but it’s what he does at the plate that separates him from the rest. The Baltimore Orioles have an all-time talent at the hot corner and he is only getting better.
Machado made his major league debut at the age of 20 and instantly became a star. The third overall pick in 2010 from Brito Miami Private School in Florida, he was primed to become to next great Orioles third basemen. With comparisons to Brooks Robinson, Machado has already exceeded his expectations in his short stint in the major leagues.
In his first full season in 2013, he not only led the league with 51 doubles but also won the Gold Glove Award. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he tore his medial patellofemoral ligament in his left knee. The following season, he returned in May and also appeared to be returning to form before spraining his right knee in August.
In 2015, Machado wanted to leave any doubt of his durability in the past. He played all 162 games, winning the Gold Glove again and finishing fourth in the most valuable player voting. After the year, Machado’s name became synonymous with the other young superstars in the league.
This season, at the age of 24, Machado had his best season yet. He hit .294 with 37 homers, 96 runs batted in and 105 runs scored, all career highs. Playing all but five games this year, he once again proved he is one of the most reliable players in the game and he will more than likely win another Gold Glove.
Continue the story for his 2016 final season grade and a future outlook for the bright, young star…
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