Padres owner on Fernando Tatis Jr.: 'I believe in him as much as I ever have'

This time last season, San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was nearing the end of an All-Star season, quickly climbing up the ladder of budding MLB superstars. 

Having missed the first half of the 2022 season recovering from wrist surgery, the buzz surrounding Tatis' return was palpable, especially after the Padres added All-Star Juan Soto ahead of the trade deadline. Though, as we all know, Tatis won't return to the Padres' lineup this season after being hit with an 80-game suspension for violating the league's PED policy. 

After initially shying away from responsibility and having heat in the Padres' locker room, Tatis' image has taken a hit since the suspension. 

While it seems most of the baseball world is against Tatis, Padres chairman Peter Seidler not only has his back but doesn't regret locking up the 23-year-old to a 14-year, $340 million deal. 

"No regrets," Seidler told Yahoo Sports Bob Nightengale. "No. No. No. Fernando knows I have his back."

Seidler met with Tatis one-on-one earlier this month and was impressed. He said he believed in Tatis as much "as I ever have" after he owned up to his actions.  

"I really feel like he's a really good guy down deep, that he cares about his family and teammates, and that his actions going forward will more than back up his words," Seidler said.