Manny Machado has every reason to view Pete Crow-Armstrong as a problem. The Chicago Cubs center fielder is coming to Petco Park for a Wild Card Series against Machado’s San Diego Padres after a 40-homer, 40-steal season. But when asked what he thought of Crow-Armstrong’s rise, Machado offered admiration rather than playoff gamesmanship.

“It’s been awesome,” Machado told MLB reporters. “And it's been great to see the season that he's had, 40, 40, putting that team on his back. I see it coming. Last couple years it's been a little glimpse here and there of what he can do. Obviously, he took his game to the next level. So to see him succeed like he has been, it's great for the game. It's good to see. I couldn't be more excited for a player like that. I've met him a few times, humble kid, loves the game. To see guys like that succeed in this level, it's always awesome to see.”

The praise is striking given what is at stake Tuesday night. Crow-Armstrong brings game-changing speed, power and defense into a series that is a rematch of last year’s Wild Card round. Chicago won that matchup in three games at Wrigley Field, eliminating San Diego with a 3-1 victory in the finale. Crow-Armstrong caught the final out.

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This time, every game will be played in San Diego. The Padres earned home-field advantage with a strong finish to the regular season, and their recent history at Petco Park gives them reason for confidence. They won home Wild Card Series against the Cardinals in 2020 and Braves in 2024. They also beat the Mets on the road in 2022, making last year’s loss to Chicago their only Wild Card Series defeat in their past four appearances.

Game 1 begins at 7 p.m. PT, with Michael King starting for the Padres against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. King will have to deal with a Chicago lineup led by the player Machado just praised, while San Diego’s hitters try to make the most of their home crowd.

Machado’s comments were generous, but they also acknowledged the challenge plainly. The Padres know how much Crow-Armstrong can do, and respect for his season will not make him any easier to stop. If San Diego wants payback for last year, it will have to keep the Cubs’ biggest star from deciding the series again.