Padres Beginning Discussions on Long Term Extension for Star Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.

It took all of 84 games for the San Diego Padres to realize they had something beyond special in Fernando Tatis Jr.

The 20-year-old mega-prospect lived up to every bit of the hype showered on him when he made his MLB debut. After a dynamite rookie season, the Padres have already started talks on a contract extension with the young star.

Tatis was nothing short of phenomenal in his first big league season, hitting .317 with 22 home runs, 53 RBI and adding 16 steals in just 84 games. Those numbers landed him a third place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, and he would have contended for the award if he played a full season of games.

Now that Tatis is up with the MLB club and the Padres have established veterans like Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer powering the offense, San Diego is finally ready to make some moves and contend for a Wild Card spot in the crowded NL West.

Even after a half season of games during his age-20 season, Tatis proved that there are few, if any, players his age with more raw talent across all of baseball. Between him and Machado, the left side of the San Diego infield could be set for the next decade.