Machado Praises Tatis Jr. Partnership, Padres GM Preller

Manny Machado discusses the dynamic duo with Fernando Tatis Jr. and his confidence in Padres GM A.J. Preller's leadership.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 1:05am

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San Diego Padres stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. have developed a strong partnership that has fueled the team's recent success, including a playoff berth in 2025. Machado opened up about their synergistic relationship, explaining how they feed off each other's performance. The Padres' general manager, A.J. Preller, was also praised by Machado for his authenticity and dedication to the organization after receiving a contract extension.

Why it matters

The Machado-Tatis Jr. partnership is central to the Padres' offensive strategy and team chemistry, making them a formidable force in the league. Preller's contract extension also signals stability in the franchise's leadership, which could be crucial in maintaining the team's playoff contention and national profile.

The details

Machado and Tatis Jr. have been key figures for the Padres since Tatis Jr. joined the team in 2016 and Machado in 2019. Their combined talents were instrumental in the Padres' 2025 playoff berth, with both players earning All-Star selections that season. Machado opened up about their dynamic, explaining how they feed off each other's performance and how their stacked lineup is "impressive." Padres GM A.J. Preller, who was pivotal in signing Machado to a 10-year, $300 million contract in 2019, also received praise from Machado after securing a multi-year contract extension with the team.

  • Manny Machado's comments on the Machado-Tatis Jr. partnership were made during an appearance on MLB Network's series 30 Clubs, 30 Camps on February 26, 2026.
  • A.J. Preller's contract extension with the Padres was announced on February 16, 2026.

The players

Manny Machado

A star player for the San Diego Padres who has been with the team since 2019 and has developed a strong partnership with teammate Fernando Tatis Jr.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A star player for the San Diego Padres who has been with the team since 2016 and has developed a strong partnership with teammate Manny Machado.

A.J. Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres since 2014, who was pivotal in signing Manny Machado to a significant contract in 2019 and has received praise from Machado for his leadership and dedication to the organization.

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What they’re saying

“Oh man, it's fun (playing alongside Fernando Tatis Jr.). When I'm not doing too well, I can hit a fly ball to the infield, and he scores, and it's an easy RBI. Just having us stacked up in the lineup, it's impressive. I think we both feed off each other.”

— Manny Machado (MLB Network)

“It's awesome. I don't know anyone that loves this organization and cares about this organization, cares about this franchise, players in this clubhouse, more than that person. I don't think it's any of us BS-ing when we speak about A.J. He's just genuine. He's truthful to the players, and it's awesome to see that he's going to be here. We all believe in him.”

— Manny Machado (Twitter)

The takeaway

The strong partnership between Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. has been a driving force behind the San Diego Padres' recent success, with the duo's synergistic relationship fueling the team's offensive strategy and team spirit. The franchise's stability and leadership, exemplified by GM A.J. Preller's contract extension, also play a crucial role in maintaining the Padres' playoff contention and national profile.