MLB insider ties "Juan Soto & Manny Machado butting heads" to Padres' 2023 disappointment, says Friars "playing with house money" in 2024
Even though the San Diego Padres had arguably a stronger lineup last season compared to this year, they were unable to get things rolling. The team ended up missing the playoffs altogether.
In the latest episode of Blair & Barker, MLB insider Kevin Barker said that one of the reasons why the team struggled is the relationship between Manny Machado and Juan Soto.
"It's obvious that they had something going on there. Last year, for whatever reason, whether it's Soto didn't like Machado or Machado didn't like Soto, you've got your best two butting heads, maybe that's what it is [41:55]," Barker said of the struggles of the 2023 Padres.
Juan Soto and Manny Machado have shown each other love since the blockbuster deal that saw Soto dealt to the New York Yankees. That being said, the 2023 Friars never seemed to click on the level that they are this year, which could prove Barker's point.
Blair and Barker believe that the Padres are underrated contenders heading into the playoffs
The San Diego Padres are going to the postseason! After clinching a playoff berth with an impressive triple play against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Friars will return to postseason baseball after missing it last year.
Thanks to a talented pitching staff, as well as a potent lineup that features the likes of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and rookie sensational Jackson Merril, the Friars could turn heads.
Despite their success and strong 91-67 record, MLB insiders Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker feel like the Friars are entering the postseason as an underrated contender for the World Series.
In the latest episode of Blair & Barker, both hosts shared their appreciation for San Diego's roster, saying that they have as good a chance as anyone to make a postseason run. That being said, they acknowledged that this might not be a sentiment shared across the MLB.
"I think the Padres are playing with house money, nobody expects them to go deep, nobody expects them to beat the big bad Dodgers [41:21]," Kevin Barker said of San Diego's playoff chances.
Although many believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers might be the team to beat in the National League this season, San Diego has actually had their number all year. So far, through 12 games against one another this year, the Padres have an 8-4 record over the Dodgers.
"If I told you today that the Padres have a better chance to win the World Series than the Dodgers, could you argue with me? [40:30]" Barker asked hypothetically.
The MLB postseason is a different beast and in order for San Diego to potentially eliminate their NL West rivals, they will likely need to play their way through the NL Wild Card round. Either way, the one thing that is clear is that this season's squad looks stronger and more cohesive than in 2023.