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Padres Make Unexpected Fernando Tatis Decision on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 2:54 PM ET

Fernando Tatis made his major league debut for the San Diego Padres in 2019 and is playing in his sixth season for the team.

Tatis was initially signed as an international free agent by the Chicago White Sox in 2015 and later dealt to San Diego—alongside pitcher Erik Johnson—in exchange for James Shields. In the 2021 offseason, he solidified his future in San Diego by signing a 14-year, $340 million contract with the Padres, the richest in franchise history.

Since arriving in San Diego, Tatis has been nothing short of spectacular. A two-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, he’s already made three postseason trips with the Padres, highlighted by an NLCS appearance in 2022.

This season, he’s been entrusted at the top of the order, starting all 77 games in the leadoff spot.

However, after yesterday’s loss to the Washington Nationals, manager Mike Shildt opted to shake up the lineup—sliding Tatis down to fourth for the first time this season in a move designed to spark both the offense and the superstar.

Pivetta on the mound. pic.twitter.com/lMfciZHQfe
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 25, 2025

This move comes as Tatis has been slumping at the plate after a hot start to season in which he produced MVP-caliber numbers. Since early May, he’s hitting just .213 over 48 games, with only seven homers, 19 RBIs and a .689 OPS. His struggles have left a hole at the top of the lineup and made run production much tougher for the Padres.

With San Diego sitting just half a game back in the NL wild-card race, getting Tatis back to his early-season form is crucial if they hope to secure a postseason berth.

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

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