The San Diego Padres are reportedly unsure of how their offseason is going to unfold and which direction they will take this winter. After finishing 90-72 this past season, most would think San Diego would prefer to add to its strong record. However, general manager AJ Preller always has a few tricks up his sleeve.
This uncertainty regarding the Padres is what has led to Fernando Tatis Jr. coming up in trade rumors since the season ended. He’s the organization’s best player, and while many didn’t buy the idea that he would be traded, Preller shut it down at the winter meetings.
“He’s somebody that … we’re not talking about (trading),” Preller told Dennis Lin of The Athletic. “So, however you want to view that, if you want to say that’s untouchable, you can say that. But I’ve seen the reports on Tatis and things like that. Tatis is one of the best players in baseball. We believe he’s one of the top guys in baseball. He’s a two-time Platinum (Glove) winner. This guy’s taken over portions of seasons and games and playoff series and everything like that. I think for us to get to where we want to get to, we need Fernando to be an A-lane, MVP, whatever kind of category you want to put on it. He can be that type of player.”
For a general manager to come right out and say something that clear, it truly means the organization has no desire to trade him this winter. It’s likely, but not confirmed or reported, that the Padres would listen to offers on anybody except Tatis Jr.
Since transitioning to the outfield during the 2023 season, he has still been one of the best players in baseball. Tatis Jr. has adjusted very well and developed into one of the best defensive right fielders in the league. Offensively, he continues to hit the ball well above average.
The Padres’ offseason plans remain to be seen, but it’s clear the front office isn’t moving on from its best player.
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