Padres broadcaster pulls no punches with direct All-Star attack on Dodgers

The 2025 All-Star race at third base is heating up in the National League, and with two division rivals squaring off in the voting, it’s become more than just a midseason honor — it’s turned into a full blown referendum on legacy. Manny Machado is quietly putting together one of his most complete first halves in years, yet the spotlight hasn’t quite found him the way it should. Slashing .293/.355/.479 with 13 home runs, 47 RBIs, and on pace for 184 hits, Machado has been the engine of the Padres’ offense. And while this level of production may feel familiar, it’s anything but ordinary. He’s only hit above .290 once in the past four seasons — and yet, he’s never dipped below .250 in his career. He simply hits, and he’s been doing it for 14 years.

But in this year’s All-Star voting, Machado finds himself in a tight battle with Dodgers infielder Max Muncy, a player who, by the numbers, has been incredibly effective in his own right. While the rivalry between the two players hasn’t been personal, Padres broadcaster Mark Grant didn’t hesitate to make it clear where he stands. “Let’s call it the way it is,” Grant said. “Manny Machado is a better third baseman than Max Muncy.” 

And honestly, he’s not wrong — at least not when you take the long view.

Padres broadcaster reignites NL West rivalry with strong Machado claim

If we’re talking strictly about this season's performance, there actually is a case to be made for Muncy. He’s slashing .255/.379/.466 with 13 homers and 55 RBIs, with a higher OBP, wRC+, and OPS than Machado. His 138 wRC+ suggests he's been slightly more productive per plate appearance than Machado’s 135. But Machado's advantage comes in volume and reliability. Case-in-point, 93 hits compared to Muncy’s 64, fewer strikeouts, more total bases, and a better batting average. Not to mention eight stolen bases to four. Machado is simply more complete.

Zoom out to their careers, and the gap widens dramatically. Machado’s WAR nearly triples Muncy’s (60.2 to 26.1). He’s collected more than twice the number of hits, nearly double the home runs, and over 1,000 RBIs. His .280 lifetime average and .488 slugging percentage have stood the test of time. Muncy has been an important piece on winning teams, but Machado has been a franchise cornerstone and perennial All-Star. With six All-Star nods and two Silver Sluggers, his résumé demands respect — and likely a future Hall of Fame plaque.

So if you’re arguing strictly about this season’s offensive snapshot, sure — Muncy’s patience and power numbers keep him in the conversation. But if you’re talking about who the better third baseman truly is — the one who defines the position with his glove, bat, and consistency — it’s Manny Machado. And it’s not close.

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