San Diego Padres general manager A.J. Preller did not mince words when addressing recent trade rumors surrounding Fernando Tatis Jr., making it clear on Friday that the star outfielder is not going anywhere.
“He’s one of the best players in baseball, is a two-time Platinum [Glove] winner,” Preller told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune when asked about speculation involving Tatis.
Tatis is coming off another strong season, finishing eighth in National League MVP voting after batting .268 with 25 home runs and 71 RBIs across 155 games. Over six major league seasons, he has been selected to three All-Star teams, earned three Silver Slugger awards, and won two Gold Gloves.
Preller emphasized that Tatis remains the centerpiece of every version of the roster the Padres envision. “Every one of the different versions and iterations of the team and roster we put up there, it’s ‘Tati’ right in the middle. Hopefully, he is one of the top players on our team this year. He’s somebody that we’re not talking about, however you want to say that. If you want to say that’s ‘untouchable,’ you can say that.”
Now 27, Tatis is entering the sixth season of the 14-year, $340 million contract he signed in 2021 under former owner Peter Seidler. Following Seidler’s passing in November 2023, the franchise has dealt with ownership uncertainty, including a legal dispute between Seidler’s widow and his brothers regarding control of the team’s assets. Earlier this offseason, it was also reported that Peter’s brother, John Seidler, may explore selling the franchise.
That instability, combined with ongoing payroll concerns, led some around the league to question whether San Diego might consider moving its highest-paid star. The Padres have consistently ranked among baseball’s biggest spenders since 2019, when they signed Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million deal. They later added Tatis’ contract and committed another 11 years and $285 million to Xander Bogaerts before the 2023 season.
Despite the financial questions, Preller made clear that Tatis remains central to the organization’s plans. Over his career, the dynamic outfielder has posted a .277 batting average with 152 home runs and 393 RBIs in 671 games, production that continues to justify the Padres’ long-term commitment.