Fernando Tatis Jr. News Emerges Four Days After Padres' Loss to Cubs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 7:30 PM ET

The San Diego Padres’ 2025 season ended on a disappointing note after losing an NL wild card series against the Chicago Cubs last Thursday.

With the team pivoting to next year, the core remains intact, headlined by star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. Although the 26-year-old is no longer producing at the NL MVP-caliber level he showed during the first three seasons of his career, he remains a key part of San Diego’s long-term plans.

He’s signed through 2034 after agreeing to a 14-year, $340 million contract in February 2021. Tatis just finished playing in the sixth season of his big-league career and posted a .268 batting average, .368 on-base percentage, .814 OPS, 25 home runs and 71 RBIs throughout 155 games in the regular season.

San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23)© Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Despite Tatis’ poor performance in the postseason (.083 batting average in three games), the Padres took to social media to share that he had been recognized by MLB for his regular season efforts.

The team announced on X, “Congratulations to Fernando Tatis Jr. on being named a finalist for the 2025 Hank Aaron Award!” San Diego also provided a link for fans to vote for the team’s star. Tatis is one of ten NL finalists for the award, and if he takes it home, it would be the first time in his career.

Congratulations to Fernando Tatis Jr. on being named a finalist for the 2025 Hank Aaron Award!

Vote for @tatis_jr: https://t.co/fyFne9QeD0 pic.twitter.com/1BzvFl6xTW
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 6, 2025

Created in 1999 to honor one of baseball’s most iconic figures, the Hank Aaron Award recognizes the top offensive performer in each league. It celebrates players who consistently deliver at the plate—combining power, average and run production across the regular season. Winners are selected through a blend of fan voting and input from Hall of Fame players, making it one of the sport’s most respected individual honors.

San Diego will have to face some tough decisions this offseason after disappointing with early exits in back-to-back postseasons. Yet the floor will remain relatively high with Tatis at the top of the batting order. Tatis’ disappearance in October is uncharacteristic of him, as he’s proven to be a playoff riser.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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