As the St. Louis Cardinals struggle to keep their playoff hopes alive, trailing the division-leading Chicago Cubs by 5.5 games in the NL Central, veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado has recently attracted attention, not for his performance on the field, but for a candid moment of introspection. In a recent interview on the MLB Network Podcast, Arenado discussed his self-created rivalry with Manny Machado, giving a rare glimpse into the motivation behind his fierce competitiveness.
Arenado, an 8-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, didn’t hesitate when asked about the ongoing debate regarding the league’s top third basemen. He admitted that Manny Machado, the San Diego Padres star, has become a measuring stick for him—not driven by rivalry in the usual sense, but by personal motivation.
In a clip from the MLB Network Podcast shared on X (formerly Twitter), Arenado spoke highly of Machado while also revealing how he mentally connects their careers.
“He’s probably my favorite third baseman in the game. In my mind, I feel like I put a rivalry in my head. You know what I mean, to like twist myself that I need to be better, because they are talking about Manny and not me.”
That quote adds an intriguing layer to what many fans view as a quiet yet intense rivalry between the two third basemen. While Machado has outperformed Arenado in several statistical categories during the 2025 season—posting a higher WAR, batting average, and OPS—the Cardinals star still holds a slight advantage in key career metrics. Arenado leads in RBIs (1,178 to Machado’s 1,102), has earned eight All-Star selections compared to Machado’s seven, and boasts a higher career slugging percentage. Both have firmly established themselves as two of the best third basemen of their generation, embodying the full package of talent.
From a statistical standpoint, the 2025 season leans more in Machado’s favor—he’s batting .290 with 15 home runs and a 2.7 WAR, while Arenado sits at a .248 average with 10 home runs and a 1.4 WAR. However, Arenado’s recent comments suggest his focus isn’t just on numbers. For him, it’s about building a lasting legacy, embracing pride in his craft, and finding motivation from within. The constant media spotlight on Machado doesn’t frustrate him; it fuels his desire to keep improving and competing at the highest level.
Their careers align closely in terms of accolades: Machado has collected seven All-Star appearances, two Gold Gloves, and a Platinum Glove, while Arenado has accumulated 10 Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and a superior career OPS. While Machado’s blend of speed and power may give him the edge offensively, few would contest Arenado’s mastery on defense. Though their rivalry may go unsaid on the field, the mutual respect—and unyielding competitive drive—between them is clear.
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