MLB COMMUNITY ARE OVERJOY AND ALSO: Excited As Padres de San Diego’ Major League Baseball MLB Head Coach Mike Shildt makes announcements of making third baseman/shortstop Manny Machado the new V…….see more

MLB Community Overjoyed and Excited as Padres’ Head Coach Mike Shildt Announces Manny Machado as the New Team Captain

The Major League Baseball (MLB) community is buzzing with excitement and pride as San Diego Padres Head Coach Mike Shildt made a major announcement that has fans, players, and analysts across the league talking. Star third baseman and shortstop Manny Machado has officially been named the new team captain of the Padres.

Coach Shildt made the announcement during a press conference earlier today at Petco Park, describing Machado as the “heartbeat of the team” and a leader whose presence on and off the field makes him a natural fit for the captain’s role.

“Manny represents everything we want this team to be — driven, resilient, competitive, and passionate,” Shildt said. “He leads by example and sets the tone for our clubhouse. Naming him captain is not just a title; it’s a reflection of the respect he’s earned.”

A New Era of Leadership in San Diego

Machado, 33, has been a cornerstone of the Padres organization since signing his 10-year deal in 2019. Over the years, he’s earned multiple All-Star selections, Gold Gloves, and Silver Slugger awards. But beyond his stats, it’s his mentorship of younger players, his vocal presence during big moments, and his commitment to winning that solidified his status as a leader.

The decision marks a symbolic passing of the torch, as the Padres continue building around a core that includes Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts. Fans have already taken to social media with messages of support and celebration, many calling the move “long overdue.”

Machado Reacts with Humility and Determination

When asked about the honor, Machado kept things grounded, saying:

“It’s an incredible honor to wear the ‘C’ for this team, but this is really about all of us. I’ve always believed in the guys in this clubhouse. We’ve got something special here, and I’m going to keep giving everything I’ve got to help us bring a championship to San Diego.”

MLB Community Applauds the Move

Players across the league, past and present, have congratulated Machado, with some veterans like Albert Pujols and Adrián Beltré weighing in to praise his maturity and leadership.

Baseball insiders have also noted that this could inspire other clubs to appoint formal team captains — a role rarely seen in the modern MLB landscape.

What’s Next for the Padres?

With Machado now officially leading the team in title as well as spirit, the Padres look ahead to a pivotal second half of the 2025 season. Sitting just 2.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, the leadership move could be the spark San Diego needs to push into the postseason — and perhaps beyond.