Former New York Yankees Star Picks San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado Over Aaron Judge as the ‘Best Player’ He’s Played With

Aaron Judge is having his career-best season in 2022. With 25 home runs to his name, the New York Yankees star is in a league of his own. He has been easily the best performer in the ongoing MLB season. However, a former New York Yankees player believes that the San Diego Padres star is also enjoying his best season.

Yes! Many baseball fans might have noticed, but the Padres’ third baseman, Manny Machado, is also having a gem of the season in 2022. In the absence of star player, Fernando Tatis Jr., Machado has been the most consistent player for the San Diego Padres in the current season.

Though Judge and Machado play in different leagues, both have been equally brilliant for their respective teams. But Luke Voit, a former Yankee and current first baseman for the Padres picked Machado over Judge as the best player he has played with.

Is Manny Machado better than Aaron Judge in 2022?

It would be unfair to compare Manny Machado to Aaron Judge, as they do not play in the same league. But the Yankees and Padres have too many similarities this season. In a league where heavyweights like the LA Dodgers and Atlanta Braves are playing, no one expected the Padres to shine. The same goes for the Yankees.

But here they are, dominating the National League without their marquee player, Fernando Tatís Jr. Machado has played an instrumental role in this successful run for the Padres. With a batting average of 0.328, the Padres’ third baseman has smacked 12 home runs in 2022. He has been the best performer for the NL side this season.

Read more: ‘They Bring the Energy’- Aaron Judge Reveals the Real Driving Force Behind New York Yankees’ Dominant 2022 Season

Talking about Machado and Judge, Luke Voit revealed that they are the players in the game right now. But when it came down to picking the best between them, he picked Machado over Judge.

“I’ve obviously played with some great guys in St. Louis and New York. But he’s definitely the best player I’ve played with,” Voit said. “I’d say him and Aaron Judge are two of the best players obviously in the game.”

Manny Machado suffered a sprained ankle against the Colorado Rockies

Considering Machado is the backbone of the San Diego Padres, his injury will be a major setback for the NL side. Notably, he suffered a sprained ankle while playing against the Colorado Rockies in the recent series.

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However, the good thing is that the X-Ray result has come negative. Per CBS Sports, the Padres have not placed Machado on the injured list. Given that he is the top contender for the NL MVP Award, the Padres will hope of getting him back into the squad at the earliest.

Who do you think will win the NL MP Award this season?