Machado: Padres have 'different vibe' than 2023
The San Diego Padres own baseball's best record since the All-Star break and are coming off a comeback victory Thursday to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Third baseman Manny Machado has noticed a distinct swagger from the team this year after a disappointing 2023 campaign.
"This team is just a different team," Machado said, per MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. "Different year, different vibe."
The Padres entered last season with World Series expectations and a star-studded roster. However, things didn't go as planned, as they finished 82-80 and missed the postseason.
San Diego traded star outfielder Juan Soto to the Yankees in the offseason, and many expected another year with the club outside of the postseason picture.
The Padres' 14-3 run since the All-Star break has propelled them to a 64-52 record and the National League's top wild-card spot.
"I'm not a writer, I don't know those words to explain to you what it really is," Machado said. "It's just different, man. I think everyone here gets along, we all push for each other. We all want the best. We all pick up each other at the end of the day. That's all you can ask for."
The Padres will look for a sixth straight win when they open up a three-game series in Miami against the Marlins on Friday.