The San Diego Padres made the playoffs last season but were knocked out early. As the organization looks to rework parts of the roster, president of baseball operations and general manager AJ Preller was asked whether Fernando Tatis Jr. might be available in trade discussions.
Preller quickly dismissed any idea of moving Tatis, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union Tribune. He made it clear the 26 year old outfielder is not someone the Padres are considering dealing.
“He’s somebody that we’re not talking about,” Preller said. “If you want to call that ‘untouchable,’ you can.”
Tatis delivered what was arguably the strongest season of his career in 2025. While he has not returned to the 42 homer peak he reached in 2021, the three time All Star still produced at a high level. He finished the year with a .268 average and .368 on base percentage, along with 159 hits, 25 home runs, and 71 RBI. He also stole a career high 32 bases and appeared in 155 games, another personal best.
Given numbers like that, it would be surprising for San Diego to consider trading him. The Padres appear committed to building around Tatis as they aim for a deeper playoff run in 2026.
His 14 year, 340 million dollar contract signed in 2021 also signals long term intentions. The upcoming 2026 season will be just the sixth year of that deal, and with Preller’s latest comments, it seems clear Fernando Tatis Jr. will remain a cornerstone for the Padres for years to come.