The San Diego Padres were eliminated from the MLB playoffs in the team’s first matchup. A week after, Padres manager Mike Shildt announced his sudden retirement after two years in San Diego. As the Padres prepare for an offseason full of change, Fernando Tatis Jr. will remain a focal point of the club’s plans for 2026 and beyond.
Tatis just finished playing in his sixth season for the Padres. Despite his struggles in the NL wild-card round against the Chicago Cubs, he had another productive year. The 26-year-old outfielder owned a .268 batting average, .368 on-base percentage, .814 OPS, 25 home runs and 71 RBIs throughout 155 regular-season appearances.
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San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr.© Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, Tatis was recognized for his efforts in the outfield rather than his contributions in the batter’s box. Rawlings Baseball announced the finalists for the Gold Glove Award in 2025, and Tatis was selected as one of three representatives in the NL in right field. The Padres reacted to the exciting news on X with a post.
“El Niño Dorado,” or “the golden child,” the team wrote.
Tatis debuted as a shortstop yet transitioned to right field ahead of the 2023 season. That proved to be a wise move. Not only did it allow San Diego to sign Xander Bogaerts to play shortstop, but Tatis has clearly thrived in the outfield.
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If Tatis takes home the award, it would mark the second of his career after he previously won in 2023. Tatis has excellent speed, which allows him to cover a ton of ground in the outfield. He has also developed an incredibly strong arm, making it difficult for baserunners to take an extra base off him. Statcast’s Baseball Savant graded Tatis as one of the strongest arms in the league, averaging 95.5 mph. He also recorded 8 Outs Above Average, a metric that compares a player’s defensive performance to league average.
Tatis’ growth as a defender has elevated his overall value and given the Padres a reliable piece in right field. As the organization navigates managerial changes and roster decisions, Tatis remains a foundational piece with elite two-way impact.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.