It is hard to imagine but we are four weeks away from the San Diego Padres 2021 season home opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. The city is still giddy over the recent contract (14-years, $340 million) extension agreement between the Padres and their young superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. The deal guarantees Tatis Jr. will be in the fold for over the next decade. Who can argue with the excitement as the potential of his career has no ceiling.
Baseball Purists Displeased Over Contract Extension
Before the ink could dry on the new deal, baseball purists voiced their displeasure over the contract extension. They argued Tatis Jr. does not have the “baseball resume” to deserve such a mega-deal. The purists feel he must play at a high level for at least another year or two before even discussing a long-term contract of this nature.
What a ridiculous notion as Tatis Jr. should have no problem fulfilling everyone’s expectations. He plays with a high motor and even possesses a higher level of self-confidence about his own skills. You can count on a single hand the times Tatis Jr. has been out-of-position at shortstop or over-matched at the plate by an opposing pitcher. If you do not believe me, then take a closer look at his career stats.
Tatis Jr.’s Career Stats Make The Case
In 143 career games, Tatis Jr. has a .301 batting average with 39 HRs and 98 RBIs. The young star scored 111 runs with .374 OBP, .582 SLG and .956 OPS. The numbers show that he can hit for average, power and a consistent RBI producer. Of course, scouts and media experts want to temper their opinion of a player like Tatis Jr. They want to avoid being labeled a “hype-machine” if the player does not reach their full potential. However, it will not take you too long to change your opinion of Tatis Jr. after witnessing him play in-person.
He passes the eye test with fans. It is rare to see a player who makes the game of baseball look so easy to play. His defensive skills seem so effortless, whether it is fielding and throwing a ground ball deep in the hole at short or running halfway out in the outfield to catch a short popup. Tatis Jr. moves about the diamond like an accomplished dancer. Every step is graceful as his footwork is impeccable.
No question, Tatis Jr. has played a major role in the Padres’ resurgence back to respectability in the National League. Remember, the Friars finished 66-96 in the season prior to him making his major league debut. He has proven the ability to navigate the ever-difficult MLB waters and nicely settled into a leadership position with the Friars.
Pops is a Trusted Mentor
San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr. is without ceilingTatis Jr.’s genuine love of baseball comes through loud and clear with his play on the field. It is safe to say that he gravitated to the family business by becoming a by-product of his surroundings. Let’s not forget that Tatis Jr.’s dad was an accomplished major leaguer himself. Fernando Tatis Sr. played in the majors for 11 seasons with five different (Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets) teams.
Tatis Jr.’s rapid rise through the minors was aided by his dad spending time to teach him how to play the game the right way as a youngster. Despite having natural ability, Tatis Jr. would struggle with his play at different minor league levels. Thankfully, only one phone call with his father was needed to get his game back on track. It must be nice to have a former major league player as your trusted mentor.
Tatis Jr. seems like a natural at avoiding controversy or negative press that comes with being a budding superstar. Oh sure, those baseball purists criticized his flipping of the bat after hitting a big home run, but that comes with the landscape of today’s professional athletes. All are willing to show their emotions in the moment. And if their actions offend others; too bad. It is your problem not theirs.
The Padres have built something special and should be contending for a long time to come. Selfishly, the San Diego Padres fans want to win a World Series this season. But that is a lofty goal and one that requires some breaks going in the Friars direction.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is entering his third season in the majors. No question, he is the real deal and has emerged as one of the top stars in baseball. It is not surprising that Tatis Jr. has positioned himself to turn a city’s dream into reality.