San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with the fans after hitting a one-run home run during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. David Frerker-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres Star Fernando Tatis Jr. Off to Historic Start to 2025 Season

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 2:22 PM ET

The San Diego Padres' pitchers got all the praise this weekend, thanks to their three consecutive shutouts against the Colorado Rockies.

At the plate, though, one of their biggest stars made history in his own right.

Right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. hit home runs on Friday and Saturday, finishing the series 4-for-13. Through the first 16 games of the Padres' season, Tatis is batting .351 with four home runs, six stolen bases, nine RBIs, 13 runs and a .994 OPS in 15 appearances.

According to Underdog Fantasy's Justin Havens, Tatis is the seventh player in the Wild Card era to record at least four home runs, six stolen bases, nine RBIs and 13 runs in his first 15 games of a season.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz was the last player to achieve the feat, doing so in 2024. Before him, only Jose Altuve, Ian Kinsler, Brian Roberts, Carlos Beltrán and Larry Walker occupied the list.

Tatis is the only Padres player in the exclusive club.

Fernando Tatis Jr. is the 7th in the Wild Card era with at least 4 HR, 6 SB, 9 RBI and 13 runs scored through his first 15 games of the season, joining:

Elly De La Cruz (2024)
Jose Altuve (2016)
Ian Kinsler (2009)
Brian Roberts (2005)
Carlos Beltrán (2004)
Larry Walker (1997)
— nugget chef (@jayhaykid) April 14, 2025

Tatis was historically productive through his first three MLB seasons, batting .292 with a .965 OPS between 2019 and 2021 while averaging 48 home runs, 116 RBIs, 31 stolen bases and an 8.0 WAR per 162 games.

After working through a wrist injury and serving a performance-enhancing drug suspension in 2022, though, Tatis proceeded to hit .265 with a .796 OPS between 2023 and 2024. And while he returned to the All-Star Game last summer, he missed 60 games due to a stress reaction in his right femur.

It seems like Tatis is back to his old self in 2025, based on his production thus far. The 26-year-old has served as the leadoff man for a 13-3 Padres squad that owns the best record in baseball, all while he ranks No. 4 in MLB with a 1.3 WAR.

The Padres are slated to open a home series against the Chicago Cubs at 9:40 p.m. ET on Monday.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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