Maybe it is time for San Diego Padres to trade Fernando Tatis Jr.

A very interesting rumor surfaced on Monday afternoon – the San Diego Padres were potentially considering moving on from Fernando Tatis Jr.

That rumor, which would have involved Tatis heading to the Yankees, was quickly shot down. One can understand why that would be the case; the Padres would be selling low on Tatis, there is plenty of uncertainty as to whether or not he can live up to his long term contract after his wrist issues and PED suspension, and teams want to see if he can return to form. Meanwhile, the Padres would still be looking for a king’s ransom for Tatis considering the type of player he could be. But maybe the Padres should consider such a move.

San Diego Padres should consider Fernando Tatis Jr. deal

A lot has changed since Tatis was last on the diamond for the Padres. Ha-Seong Kim proved to be a valuable major league player. Xander Bogaerts signed an 11 year deal worth $280 million, likely moving Kim to second base and Jake Cronenworth to first. Tatis is either going to end up as a super utility player or will be heading to the outfield.

It is also fair to wonder about his impact on the locker room. Tatis’ absence was conspicuous as the Padres made their way to the NLCS. His most recent memorable moments involve a dugout confrontation with Manny Machado, multiple motorcycle accidents in the Dominican Republic – including the one where he broke his wrist, and a PED suspension. It is possible that the 2022 season was one where the concept of addition by subtraction was proven.

Tatis is already facing a critical 2023 campaign. Not only does he need to prove that he has matured, but he needs to show that he can still be that dynamic force that the Padres thought they had locked up. He needs to prove that he can be part of a winning franchise. If he drags the Padres down, then maybe it is time to move on.

That is easier said than done. Tatis is still due to receive another $332.6 million over the next dozen years. However, if he can put up the same type of numbers he did prior to his injury and suspension, teams would be interested. The idea that a change of scenery and a different culture could make a difference would be quite the siren’s call.

The San Diego Padres are not trading Fernando Tatis Jr. at this point. However, it may be something they want to consider if he has not matured.