San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr. loses even more from PED ban

Aug 23, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) speak to the media before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) speak to the media before the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Fernando Tatis Jr.’s PED suspension has already been costly for the San Diego Padres star.

His reputation is tarnished, both from the failed test and his subsequent excuses. His relationship with his teammates has been battered as they will be without an expected boost for the pennant run. Fans no longer regard him in the same light, with the youngsters that MLB was hoping to market Tatis to turning away.

PED suspension hits San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. in the wallet

The hits are still coming for Tatis. Adidas confirmed to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN that they have ended their partnership with Tatis, saying that they believe in fair play in every sport. Their doping policy is a part of that, as they refuse to have any part with players who had failed a PED test.

That decision made sense even without their specific policy. Tatis is entirely unmarketable at this point, his reputation at the absolute nadir. Absolutely no one is going to regard Tatis as a viable endorsement figure at this point in time.

Maybe that will change. As time goes by, and his PED suspension fades into the past, companies could look to him as the type of player that want to be associated with. It would certainly help if he continues to be that dynamic five tool player he was before his wrist surgery and suspension.

For now, Tatis is going to continue to be a punchline. He will need to regain the trust and respect of his teammates and the Padres organization. If he can contribute, and help bring them to the postseason, then maybe he can become someone that the fans celebrate again. But that is going to take a long time.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is still facing repercussions from his PED suspension. Adidas has terminated their partnership with the San Diego Padres shortstop.