Manny Machado Facing Backlash for Comments Amid World Baseball Classic
San Diego Padresthird basemanManny Machado has had a fantastic professional career in Major League Baseball. Through 14 years in the majorsMachado has a slash line of .279/.338/.486 with an OPS of .824. He has totaled 369 home runs1,144 RBIs and 113 stolen bases in 1,894 games.
Machado has a decorated array of accomplishmentsmaking seven All-Star Game appearanceswinning three Silver Slugger Awardstwo Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove during his impressive career.
This springthe 33-year-old third basemanwho was born in HialeahFloridais competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic.
Machado and the Dominican Republic have played two games in Pool D of the WBCwinning bothincluding a 12-1 mercy rule victory over the Netherlands on Sunday.
Through the two gamesMachado has gone 3-for-6 at the plate with three walks and two runs scored. He has also flashed the leathershowing off his incredible defense on Friday against Nicaragua.
On Sundaybefore the Dominican Republic's game against the Netherlands beganMachado was seen in the dugout upset about the lack of media personnel asking questions pregame.
"Look aroundno meetings herebarely any people. They don’t want to wake up early but they’ll roll up asking me questions later. Not a single person here. Don’t come sweating me later," Machado said.
After this video was postedMachado faced backlash from many fans online.
"What a jerk," said one user.
"Mannys that guy you know or work with that's always upset about SOMETHING. Sun could be shining outsideperfect weatherand he's mad about something that happened two weeks ago," wrote another.
"That attitude is why the padres will never win a ring," chimed in one more.
Sunday's matchup between the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands started at noon ET at loanDepot Park in MiamiFlorida. This video and Machado's comments came in the morning after he and the rest of the team took batting practice.
"He definitely thinks he’s way more important than he is," continued the comments.
"Mannys always worried about everyone except himself," said another user.
"Such a me guy," wrote one more.
After winning their first two games in the WBCMachado and the Dominican Republic will next take on Israel on Monday at noon ET in Miami. The game will be available to watch on FS1.
Related: Manny Machado’s Fernando Tatis Jr. Message as Padres Face Dodgers Problem
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 82026where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.