The Padres Trying to Give Fernando Tatis Jr. a Contract Extension After 84 Career Games is Absurd
By Michael Luciano
Yes, shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is a phenom in every sense of the word. He's on track for superstardom in short order. However, that doesn't excuse the half-baked idea that AJ Preller has in store for the Padres this offseason.
The Padres are considering locking up their star rookie, who hit .317 with 22 home runs in just 84 games, to a monster new contract.
MLB hot stove: Padres to begin extension talks with Fernando Tatis Jr., report says https://t.co/CxSwkvglFj
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) November 13, 2019
Simply put, this is not the right time to get a deal done.
The Padres have brought in Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado in back-to-back offseasons, and have the capital to make a run at one of the top free agent starting pitchers out there.
Tatis is a megastar in the making, but why spend that money on him now, especially when it could mean they don't grab a starting pitcher this offseason? The Yankees STILL haven't extended Aaron Judge, and he's put up three straight great seasons.
Padres Will Attempt To Extend Fernando Tatis Jr. https://t.co/GKmJqIU2wn pic.twitter.com/KnfdMpkuqw
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) November 13, 2019
Tatis is destined to be the next dynamic star infielder, but the Padres have an opportunity to lure in some big free agents while Tatis can be had for cheap. Paying him now is unnecessary and jumping the gun.