Manny Machado on the $500,000 investment to keep him at the top of his game: "Be the best, and stay there"

By nearly all measures, Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres is one of the top players in the game. The 2022 AL MVP runner-up has recently shed some light on the secrets behind his ascent to the top of the big leagues.

Ever since being selected third in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft, Machado has been on a tear. A six-time All-Star, Machado has also captured a Silver Slugger Award and a pair of Gold Gloves. As of March 2023, the 30-year old has 283 home runs and 853 RBIs.

In a recent interview with Dominican baseball journalist Yancen Pujols, Machado described what he does to make sure he stays at the very top of his game:

"You have to do everything you can to try to be the best and stay there for a long time. That costs, everything I put into my body with massage therapists, trainers, and chefs."

The interview with Pujols was expressed in Spanish. However, Machado was comfortably able to discuss the recent World Baseball Classic and the upcoming season.

Machado then went on to describe the littany of professional help that he receives. According to the San Diego Padres superstar, the costs of these top-of-the-line consultants to determine how Machado should eat, exercise and think costs him about $500,000 per year.

"Manny Machado invierte al año un poco más de medio millón de dólares en su cuerpo. Los caballos no relajan con la disciplina. Ya en YouTube. Aquí el enlace" - Yancen Pujols

While the amount is astronomical for most of us, it represents a solid return on investment for Manny Machado. The San Diego Padres reached an agreement with the third baseman for an 11-year contract extension worth $300 million.

Machado's extension came just months after the Padres signed former Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts to another 11-year deal, his worth $280 million. The Padres, headed by Machado, are ready to win.

"All 114 of Manny Machado’s Padres Home Runs (just the swings) @TatisMVPszn." - Al Scott

Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres have a big season ahead of them

There is no question that Machado, with his 32 home runs and 102 RBIs in 2022, is the most highly-skilled player on the team. When you add Bogaerts, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., you get a combination that could very easily end the Los Angeles Dodgers' 10-year NL West winning streak.