During an exclusive interview with Dodgers Nation’s Doug McCain, Machado, who once donned the Dodger blue, referred to Kershaw as “the best,” emphasizing the honor he felt playing behind the future Hall of Famer.
This unexpected admiration comes as the Dodgers and Padres continue to battle it out in a heated rivalry that has intensified over recent seasons. Despite Machado’s brief stint with the Dodgers in 2018, where he showcased impressive stats but faltered in the postseason, his words carry significant weight. “What a competitor,” he stated, highlighting Kershaw’s dominance on the mound and his impact on the game.
The backdrop of this praise is a rivalry that has seen its fair share of dramatic moments. After Machado’s controversial move to the Padres, the stakes were raised, culminating in the 2022 NLDS where San Diego eliminated the Dodgers. However, the tides turned in 2024, with Los Angeles claiming the World Series title after overcoming a 2-1 series deficit against the Padres.
Machado’s acknowledgment of Kershaw’s greatness transcends the animosity often seen on the field. It serves as a reminder that in baseball, respect among great players can overshadow team rivalries. As fans react to this unexpected show of camaraderie, the question looms: Is there a softer side to the fiery Machado that we haven’t seen?
Stay tuned as this story develops and the Dodgers prepare for their next showdown. The baseball world is watching, and so should you.
