May 13, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates after hitting a walk-off two run home run during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images David Frerker-Imagn Images

Padres' Fernando Tatis Gets MVP Praise After First Career Walk-Off Home Run

Originally posted on San Diego Padres on SI
By Nelson Espinal | Last updated May 14, 2025 4:15 PM ET

San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a walk-off two-run home run to secure a victory against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night.

Tatis stepped up to the plate with the game tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning, facing closer Kenley Jansen. With a runner on first base and on a 2-2 pitch, he hit a definitive home run, punctuated by a dramatic bat flip.

You knew the bat flip was going to be legendary for Fernando Tatis Jr.'s first career #walkoff homer! pic.twitter.com/HGhYZYSRWl
— MLB (@MLB) May 14, 2025

It was the first walk-off home run of Tatis' career, a significant moment for a player who has emerged as one of the game's best and most charismatic on-field talents.

He is having an MVP-caliber season, standing out as one of the front-runners for the award.

Padres manager Mike Shildt believes Tatis is capable of dominating a team in all aspects of the game.

“Tati’s been MVP-caliber,” Shildt said after the game.

“It’s just right there every night. In simple terms, you think, when you’ve got players on your team, ‘How do they beat the other team?’ And he literally beats you every way possible on a baseball field.”

FERNANDO TATIS JR. WALKS IT OFF! pic.twitter.com/cjQHQcHPJ2
— MLB (@MLB) May 14, 2025

Tatis already boasts a 2.7 WAR, slashing .316/.389/.574 and having an impressive 170 wRC+. He has 11 home runs, 36 RBIs and eight stolen baes.

He is generating all of this offense while also being one of the steadiest gloves in the league, wielding a massive arm that runners rarely challenge. He also poses a significant threat on the base paths for opposing pitchers.

Players in the 98th percentile or better in both Batting Run Value and Fielding Run Value

1) Fernando Tatis Jr.

End of list. pic.twitter.com/ABNEZ6dbsc
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 13, 2025

If Tatis can maintain this level of performance and create more memorable moments like he did on Tuesday night, he could disrupt the preseason expectations and win the National League MVP.

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This article first appeared on San Diego Padres on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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