The San Diego Padres have made it clear that Fernando Tatis Jr. is not on the trading block this offseason. Sources within the organization have firmly stated that there has been no internal discussion about trading the All-Star right fielder.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Remains a Padre
Despite rumors circulating during the General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas, the team emphasized their commitment to Tatis. He is not only a fan favorite but also contributes significantly to the team’s performance. Tatis recently secured his second Platinum Glove award and achieved an .814 OPS, ranking 15th in the National League.
Contractual Situation
Tatis, who will turn 27 in January, has a substantial contract worth slightly more than $290 million over the next nine years. This deal positions him as one of three players signed to long-term contracts exceeding $200 million. The other two players are Manny Machado, who has an $299 million contract for eight years, and Xander Bogaerts, with $203.6 million for the same duration.
- Fernando Tatis Jr.: $290 million (9 years)
- Manny Machado: $299 million (8 years)
- Xander Bogaerts: $203.6 million (8 years)
Had Tatis entered free agency this winter, he would likely not have received a long-term deal similar to his current contract, which averages $32.4 million annually. Executives estimate he might be looking at a shorter, option-laden contract if he were a free agent now.
Offseason Strategy and Future Outlook
The Padres plan to keep their payroll competitive. By 2027 and 2028, the combined salaries of Tatis, Machado, and Bogaerts will approximate $90.25 million annually, increasing to $101.25 million each year from 2029 through 2033. However, the organization aims to maintain a budget that keeps them within the top third of spenders in Major League Baseball.
Padres CEO Erik Greupner stated, “We think we can be at a similar level to where we’ve been in the top 10, which allows us to be competitive and ultimately win a championship.” To bolster their roster, the Padres prioritize adding starting pitchers while retaining the core of their position players.
Core Players Returning
The Padres will field a strong lineup as they return eight of the nine players who started their last postseason game. President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller expressed confidence in their core players, which includes:
- Fernando Tatis Jr.
- Xander Bogaerts
- Jake Cronenworth
- Manny Machado
- Gavin Sheets
As they strategize for the upcoming season, the Padres may explore trades involving players like Cronenworth and Sheets, given their club control. However, discussions regarding a new right fielder are off the table.
Overall, the Padres remain focused on enhancing their roster while keeping Tatis in their plans, reaffirming his importance to the franchise’s future.
