Padres' Machado doesn't hold back on feelings about Dodgers

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado. David Frerker-Imagn Images

Padres' Manny Machado doesn't hold back on feelings about Dodgers

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Feb 15, 2026 12:29 PM ET

The San Diego Padres and president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller have put themselves in a great place to compete with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers are the big bad wolf in the National League, and the Padres are one of a handful of teams that can "compete" with them on a talent and financial level. Despite the hatred and vitriol the Dodgers receive, Machado is proud to see them doing everything they can to win, echoing Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper’s comments.

"I [expletive] love it. I love it. I mean, honestly, I think every team should be doing it," Machado said, via reporter Marty Caswell. "They've figured out a way to do it, and [expletive] is [expletive] great for the game, honestly. So I think every team, every team has the ability to do it. So you know, I hope you know all 30 teams could learn from that you.”

Manny Machado and Bryce Harper aren’t the only players to feel this way

Most players in Major League Baseball feel the same way that Machado and Harper do, with some disagreeing. The owners are mostly the ones who seem to hate what the Dodgers are doing, citing the unfair TV deal they have, which gives them more revenue to spend in free agency.

Owned by an investment group, Guggenheim Baseball Management, the Dodgers have an endless amount of cash to spend to bring in some of the game's best, like All-Star Kyle Tucker (four years, $240 million) and closer Edwin Diaz (three years, $69 million). With a lockout seeming imminent, having voices like Machado and Harper leading the charge to counter what the owners and commissioner Rob Manfred are saying helps the players' cause.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

More must-reads: