Back to the San Diego Padres Newsfeed

With better defense, Margot eyes future Gold Glove

SAN DIEGO -- As he tore through the Minor Leagues, Manuel Margot always projected as an elite big league defender. In the first half of his first season, however, he didn't get the chance to show it.

Nagged by a calf injury that sidelined him for a month, Margot rated as league average in center field. In his eyes, he's much better than that. And he's started to prove it.

These days, the 22-year-old rookie is tracking down all fly balls in both gaps. Margot has partnered his elite range with a much-improved first step.