Should We Be Worried About Fernando Tatis Jr.?
We're only about 10% into the 2026 MLB season, but one of the game's most explosive, recognizable and polarizing stars is not off to a great start.
As of April 13 and through 16 games, San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. has not hit a home run. His .242 batting average is 26 points below the worst season of his six-year career.
But there are reasons to believe a bounce-back is on the horizon, and an additional hint that he could be even more sought-after than he was on draft day.
What's Wrong With Fernando Tatis?
At age 27, and presumably in the midst of his prime, Tatis Jr. is a transcendent talent whose ceiling is sky-high when healthy. But he's missed 50-plus games in three of his six seasons, including a year-long suspension for PEDs.
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Tatis had a massive 2021 season with a league-leading 42 HR. He was suspended all of 2022. In the two seasons he's played over 102 games, he's hit 25 HR in each, with steals totals of 29 and 32, RBI totals of 78 and 71, and runs of 91 and 111.
This season has not gone well, however, and even if he does bounce back, it's fair to wonder if Tatis has maxed out his potential.
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Why You Need Fernando Tatis
OK, it's not going well; we can all see that. But there are critical reasons to keep him if you have him, or find a way to add him before he rebounds.
The metrics support the idea that the opening few weeks have been a little unlucky. According to Baseball Savant, Tatis ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit percentage and the 98th percentile in exit velocity.
Those are numbers that eventually will turn into major production.
He remains an elite fielder and baserunner. And now he could be adding another position to his roster eligibility. Tatis played the past weekend at second base, the first time in his career he's been there. Tatis used to be a solid shortstop before becoming a two-time Gold Glove right fielder.
If Tatis becomes eligible at second base, he immediately becomes one of the premier bats at the spot.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Outlook
Tatis started the season in the cleanup spot but has ascended to No. 2 and has batted leadoff at times as well. Hitting high in a potent Padres lineup alongside Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts among others should produce strong opportunities.
Beyond 2026, Tatis is locked in San Diego through at least 2034 via his massive 14-year, $340 million extension. As he enters his prime, a fully healthy campaign could spark MVP contention and cement him as the Padres' longtime offensive anchor during their competitive NL West window.
When healthy and locked in, few players in the game can match his game-changing impact. Buy low if the Tatis owner in your league is crazy enough to move on after this slow hiccup.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 7:03 PM.