Let’s get into t he Fernando Tatis Jr. trade talks. It has been a long year for San Diego Padres’ shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Not only was the two-time Silver Slugger Award winner kept off the diamond for the entirety of the 2022 season with an off-field wrist injury and a PED suspension, but the Padres just made a big splash by signing all-star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year deal.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Has Had Some Troubles Lately
It’s no secret the Padres were disappointed by how Tatis Jr. had a blatant disregard for the rules and regulations that he vowed to uphold for the club over the last year. His absence greatly hurt a team that was going all-in for 2022, making it the furthest they have in the post season in 27 years. On top of that, teammates and analysts called out his general lack of maturity.
The 23-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has played just three seasons of Major League Baseball. Along with his batting accolades, Tatis Jr. has finished top 5 in NL MVP voting twice, and was an all-star in just his second season. So yes, he is really, really good. He is also very young, the frontal lobe is still maturing, and yes, his bank account is ginormous. However, those cannot be excuses to neglect professional priorities.
Why Are Fernando Tatis Jr. Trade Talks Heating Up?
So, what will the Padres do now that they have added Bogaerts, a four-time all-star and five-time Silver Slugger winner? San Diego says they intend to keep both players, but certainly, one of the Padres’ all-star shortstops could be moved. Tatis is signed through 2034 at a total cost of $337 million, Bogaerts through 2033 at $280 million. Manny Machado, the 3B, is inked for the next six seasons at $30 million annually.
If the Padres decide to move Tatis, will he buck up and do what is best for the team? Will he demand a trade? If so, plenty of teams could be interested in adding a potential franchise player to their infield. According to Bookies.com, there are some hypothetical odds as to which team Fernando could end up on for the 2023 season.
What Are The Odds Regarding Which Team Tatis Will Play for Next Season?
Team/Odds/Implied Probability
San Diego Padres/-135/57.45%
LA Angels/+400/20.0%
Boston Red Sox/+550/15.4%
New York Yankees/+750/11.8%
Atlanta Braves/+1500/6.3%
The Field/+1100/8.3%
*This hypothetical MLB betting market is for entertainment purposes only and does not reflect any market that may be available on betting sites and betting apps.
While the Dodgers could use a shortstop, there is zero chance the Friars want to have any type of discussion with their top rival. Now, the Braves are in need of a big name at the shortstop position with Dansby Swanson signing a huge deal with the Cubs this past Saturday, but Tatis Jr. would be unlikely to go to that NL contender as well.
The Bogaerts-less Red Sox have pieces to sell, money to spend, and now a massive hole at the position. Boston checks all the boxes to think eye-for-an-eye and at least inquire about Fernando. A Red Sox signing would also ensure the Yankees do not get their hands on him. New York could use a new toy to play with and the left side of the infield needs some spring cleaning, more so than the rest of their roster. In 2021, Tatis Jr. led the NL with 42 home runs to go with 25 stolen bases and a .975 OPS, so he would be a significant upgrade over Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who hit four home runs with a .642 OPS last season.
How about the Angels? That could make for an intriguing place to land. San Diego reportedly really wants to make a push to land Shohei Ohtani when the L.A. superstar becomes a free agent after this next season. But maybe if they can negotiate a new long-term deal, a sign-and-trade involving Tatis might be a best-case scenario for the Angels and increase their fan base with another power player.
Will the Fernando Tatis Jr. Trade Talks Lead to an Actual Trade?
However, all this trade talk, is just that. Talk. For now, it seems the Padres want to stick with the young star and build a lasting contender. Currently the New York Mets are the heavy favorite to win it all in 2023. Their odds of winning the 2023 World Series are 7-to-1 (+700) at BetOnline.com. Those are the second-best odds behind the Astros, who are +625 to repeat as champions.
The gambling site has the Mets and Dodgers with the same odds (+350) to win the National League and advance to the World Series, followed by the Braves and Padres (+500). In the American League, the Astros and Yankees are a cut above the rest with the Astros at +275 to win another AL pennant and the Yankees at +325. The next closest team is the Blue Jays at +750.
For now, Fernando Tatis Jr. is a member of the San Diego Padres. That could change as the 2023 MLB season approaches, but it is also possible that Tatis Jr. remains with the Padres. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.
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