*This is a prediction*
One of the more prominent rumors to come out of the MLB Winter Meetings so far is that San Diego Padres are looking to make a major trade, one that rivals their trade they did a few seasons prior with the New York Yankees where they sent Juan Soto to New York in return for five players, including Michael King.
The player that the Padres can look to trade this offseason that can get them a similar return is Fernando Tatis Jr. If San Diego goes on to make Tatis Jr. available, the team that can look to trade for him is the Baltimore Orioles.
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The Baltimore Orioles have clear intentions to make their own big splash this offseason, especially since they can’t be ok with the result of their 2025 season where they finished with a 75-87 record. The Orioles were one of the top teams to try and sign Kyle Schwarber before he ultimately signed back with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Still, the Orioles need to be looking to add a boost to their offensive production for the 2026 MLB season if they want to get back on track quickly, as their offense lacked power in 2025 while seeing an increase in their strikeout rate. The Orioles need a powerful batter to lead the unit, and they can get this while also adding to their outfield depth by trading for Fernando Tatis Jr.
Just last season, Fernando Tatis Jr had a .268/.368/.446 slash line with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs. Over his entire career, he has shown off his batting ability with 152 home runs, 393 RBIs, and a .277/.354/.513 slash line. His ability to score can’t be overlooked, and with his experience in MLB, he can further help make an immediate impact in Baltimore.
With the Orioles making it known they intend to be buyers this offseason, while the Padres look to make a big trade, this creates an ideal scenario for both teams this offseason.