According to reports, the San Diego Padres are discussing a long term extension with shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.
The San Diego Padres have been upfront about their desire to keep Fernando Tatis Jr. around for the long haul. There had been reports that the team had sought to discuss a long term extension for the star shortstop, but all had been quiet on that front.
On Saturday, news broke that not only were the Padres and Tatis close to a long term deal, but it could be finalized shortly. At this point, the deal is rumored to be for 11 years and worth $320 million.
Sources: Two different sources indicated to Pio Deportes that the San Diego Padres are negotiating a contract with Fernando Tatis Jr for USD $ 320 million and 11 seasons.
— PIO DEPORTES (@piodeportes) January 9, 2021
The sources are close to the negotiation and the offer is expected to be made public next week. #PioDeportes pic.twitter.com/p8L3cdPZaq
Such a deal would lock Tatis up with the Padres throughout the rest of the decade, as the contract would not expire until 2031. The 11 year deal would also keep him in San Diego throughout his prime, as he would be 33 years old when the deal has expired.
Since his arrival in the majors, Tatis has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the game. He has produced a .301/.374/.582 batting line over his 629 plate appearances, belting 39 homers and 24 doubles while stealing 27 bases. Tatis has also worked on his defense, showing marked improvement from his rookie campaign to last year.
Such an extension would also signal that the Padres intend on spending at a level typically reserved for large market teams for the foreseeable future. With the deals that they had given Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado, as well as their recent acquisitions of Blake Snell and Yu Darvish, San Diego is serving notice that they intend on being a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Obviously, Tatis would be a major part of any long term plans. The Padres not only have arguably the best young shortstop in the game, but one of the best young players in baseball. Locking him in to a long term extension is the type of move they need to make.
That extension could come soon. According to reports, the San Diego Padres and Fernando Tatis Jr. are set to extend their relationship into the next decade.