How Bartolo Colon changed the future of the San Diego Padres

Bartolo Colon has pitched for 11 different teams over the course of his 21 years in the majors. To give a sense for how long he has pitched, and how often he changed teams, Colon even spent time with the Expos before they moved to Washington. There are times it may be easier to list those teams that Colon did not play for instead of those whose uniform he once wore.

The San Diego Padres are one of those teams that Colon never suited up for. However, he still made a major impact upon the future of the organization, as he indirectly led to their acquisition of Fernando Tatis Jr.

Bartolo Colon changed San Diego Padres future with one swing of the bat

Let’s go back to May 7, 2016. On that day, Colon did what was thought to be impossible – hit a home run. His blast to left was one of the most replayed highlights of the year, an enjoyable moment for baseball fans everywhere.

That home run effectively ended James Shields‘ career. Shields had been a solid pitcher for the Padres after he signed a four year deal before the 2015 season, living up to expectations in that first year. He was off to a strong start in 2016 as well, posting a 3.23 ERA and a 1.282 WHiP in his 39 innings to start the year.

Shields still had a bit left in the tank after giving up that home run; he pitched seven shutout innings in his next start. But the cracks were beginning to show. When he was torched for ten runs on eight hits and four walks in his 2.2 innings on May 31, it was time for the Padres to move on.

And move on they did. On June 4, Shields, along with $31 million, were sent to the White Sox in exchange for Erik Johnson and Tatis. While Shields had his moments in Chicago, that trade was an utter disaster. The Padres received a prospect that would go on to become one of the best young players in the game, while Shields posted a miserable 5.31 ERA and a 1.447 WHiP in his 436 innings with the White Sox, giving up 92 homers and leading the league in losses in his final season in the majors.

It all started with one swing of the bat. By belting a home run against James Shields, Bartolo Colon started the San Diego Padres down the path that led to Fernando Tatis Jr.