Padres’ Manny Machado Takes Major Shots at Dodgers’ Dave Roberts

In what is shaping up to be one of the most heated chapters in the ongoing Southern California baseball rivalry, San Diego Padres star Manny Machado has ignited fresh controversy by publicly criticizing Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Known for his confident and at times confrontational demeanor, Machado did not hold back when asked about the state of the Padres-Dodgers rivalry, delivering a scathing critique that has reverberated through both clubhouses and across the baseball world.

The comments came during a postgame media scrum following the Padres’ 7–3 win over the Dodgers at Petco Park—a victory in which Machado went 3-for-4 with a home run and a pair of RBIs. While his performance was impressive, it was what he said afterward that truly stole the headlines.

“I respect the Dodgers as a team—they’ve got great players,” Machado said. “But when it comes to how they’re run, I’ve got zero respect for Dave Roberts. That’s not a baseball mind I look up to. That’s not a guy I’d want leading my clubhouse.”

The Comments That Set Off a Firestorm

When pressed to clarify his statement, Machado doubled down:

“Let’s just say there’s a reason guys over there are always walking on eggshells. He plays favorites, he micromanages the wrong things, and he’s more worried about optics than winning real ballgames. You look at some of their postseason decisions—come on. Anyone who’s played this game knows what I’m talking about.”

The room fell silent as Machado’s words settled in. Reporters asked if this was personal or professional.

“It’s both,” Machado said. “When I was in LA, there were things that happened behind the scenes that people don’t know about. I’ll leave it at that for now. But let’s not pretend Dave Roberts is some genius. He’s lucky to have had the rosters he’s had.”

The Dodgers-Padres rivalry has been bubbling with intensity over the last several seasons, particularly since the Padres transformed themselves from perennial underdogs to legitimate contenders. San Diego’s acquisition of Machado in 2019 was the first real signal of their ambitions, and since then, they’ve built a star-studded roster aimed squarely at toppling their northern neighbors.

Machado’s history with the Dodgers is complex. He was acquired by Los Angeles from the Baltimore Orioles during the 2018 season to help boost the Dodgers’ World Series chances. Though he played well during the regular season and playoffs, the Dodgers ultimately fell to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. Machado’s lackluster hustle on key plays—particularly in the World Series—drew criticism from media and fans alike. Rumors swirled about tensions between Machado and members of the Dodgers coaching staff, including Roberts.

While Machado departed as a free agent that offseason, the bad blood apparently never evaporated.

When asked to respond to Machado’s pointed remarks, Dave Roberts took the high road, at least outwardly.

“Manny’s entitled to his opinion,” Roberts said pregame the next day. “I’m focused on leading this team and helping us win games. I’ve got nothing but respect for what Manny can do on the field.”

However, sources close to the Dodgers suggest Roberts was “furious” behind closed doors and felt blindsided by the attack.

“He was livid,” one clubhouse insider said. “He’s not one to show it publicly, but behind the scenes, this hit a nerve. Especially the stuff about favoritism and fear—he takes that personally.”

Dodgers players were quick to defend their manager. Mookie Betts called Roberts “one of the best communicators and leaders I’ve ever been around.” Veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw said the comments were “uncalled for and felt like cheap shots.”

“Dave’s been nothing but consistent and fair,” said Kershaw. “It’s easy to throw shade when you’re no longer in the building.”

Meanwhile, Padres players appeared to rally behind Machado. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts called the comments “truthful,” and pitcher Joe Musgrove added, “Manny speaks his mind. That’s why we respect him. And honestly, he’s not wrong.”

Former players chimed in as well. Retired catcher A.J. Ellis, who played under Roberts and alongside Machado, tweeted:

“Every clubhouse has its dynamics. But Dave Roberts earned his players’ trust. Always. I was there.”

On ESPN’s “First Take,” analyst Stephen A. Smith said, “I love Manny’s fire, but this feels more personal than professional. It sounds like someone still salty about how things ended.”

This isn’t the first time Roberts has faced questions about his leadership style, particularly during October. His postseason pitching decisions—such as removing Rich Hill early in the 2017 World Series or benching hot bats in crucial situations—have long drawn scrutiny.

Critics say Roberts sometimes overrelies on analytics and doesn’t allow feel or flow to guide decisions. Machado’s comments seem to tap into those narratives but deliver them with more venom than nuance.

Some insiders believe Machado may be laying groundwork for future leadership changes in San Diego. There have been whispers about his influence in the clubhouse and his frustrations with how the Padres have underperformed, despite their high payroll and star power.

Could this be a calculated move to galvanize the Padres’ identity in opposition to their rivals? Or is it simply a personal vendetta finally boiling over?

While Roberts may have his critics, his resume is hard to ignore. Since taking over as Dodgers manager in 2016, he has guided the team to:

• 7 consecutive postseason appearances
• 3 National League pennants
• 1 World Series championship (2020)
• A .621 regular season winning percentage (as of this season)

Meanwhile, Machado’s Padres have made the playoffs twice in his tenure and have yet to reach a World Series. Still, Machado remains one of the league’s premier players—a six-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and perennial MVP contender.

Their respective careers reflect two very different roles: Roberts as the steady leader of a machine-like juggernaut, Machado as the brash face of a team still trying to break through.

As fate would have it, the Padres and Dodgers will meet again in less than two weeks for a weekend series at Dodger Stadium—a clash now loaded with even more intrigue. It wouldn’t be surprising if Dodgers fans give Machado a hostile reception, while Padres fans amplify their support.

Whether the two men speak behind the scenes remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the rivalry has a new narrative thread, one far more personal than typical division drama.

Expect MLB to keep a close eye on any brewing tensions. League officials have reportedly reminded both teams to “prioritize professionalism” and avoid letting off-field comments lead to on-field retaliation.

Still, fans and media will be watching closely. The next game between the Padres and Dodgers may not just be about runs and hits—it might also be about respect, leadership, and pride.

Baseball rivalries are built on moments, matchups, and grudges. With one incendiary set of remarks, Manny Machado may have just added fuel to one of the hottest rivalries in the game. Whether his criticisms of Dave Roberts were justified or not, they’ve given fans something to talk about—and something to watch for.

As both teams jockey for postseason position, their next encounter may feel more like a heavyweight rematch than a division game.