The San Diego Padres are entering the 2026 season amid a major transition. Longtime manager Mike Shildt has stepped away, paving the way for Craig Stammen to take over as skipper. With limited payroll flexibility, the roster is expected to see notable changes, and several players could leave through free agency.
Given that uncertainty, rival teams quickly checked in on the availability of right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., but San Diego’s front office promptly dismissed any trade discussions. The reasoning is straightforward.
Tatis is coming off a stellar campaign with the Padres, capped by winning the Platinum Glove as the National League’s top overall defender. The 26-year-old also made his third All-Star appearance in 2025 and finished eighth in NL MVP voting, further solidifying his reputation as one of baseball’s premier all-around players.
His impact extended well beyond defense. In 155 games, Tatis recorded a .268 batting average, a .368 on-base percentage and an .814 OPS, while adding 25 home runs and 71 RBIs. The combination of elite fielding and consistent offensive output has made him the clear centerpiece of San Diego’s plans moving forward.
While the Padres focus on reshaping the roster around Fernando Tatis Jr., the star outfielder has briefly turned his attention beyond the field to continue expanding his philanthropic efforts. Launched earlier this offseason, the Fernando Tatis Foundation is dedicated to supporting young baseball players through financial literacy education and related resources.
As the organization takes shape, Tatis revealed plans for its first flagship fundraiser, the First Annual Beyond the Diamond Gala. “Introducing the FIRST Annual Beyond the Diamond Gala, benefitting the Tatis Foundation. Join us January 30, 2026 in San Diego for a night of purpose, community, and impact,” the announcement stated.
Tatis shared the news on his Instagram story, highlighting his desire to create meaningful change off the field while continuing to serve as one of the Padres’ central figures on it.
Away from his community work, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s on-field résumé is just as remarkable. Since debuting in Major League Baseball in 2019, he has emerged as one of the sport’s elite players, even after losing the entire 2022 season to injury and suspension. He is a three-time All-Star and has captured the Silver Slugger Award twice.
In 2021, Tatis committed his future to San Diego by signing a 14-year, $340 million contract extension, firmly establishing him as the cornerstone of the franchise. With the right pieces assembled around him, he has the ability to guide the Padres back into playoff contention in 2026.