Fernando Tatis Jr. Signs 14-Year Extension With The Padres
Photo Via: Gregory Bull - Associated Press
Fernando Tatis Jr. is nothing short of extraordinary on the baseball field. At just 22-years-old, he has already completed two seasons in the major leagues and has taken the league by storm. He is among the most talented players on the field, but what separates him from the rest is the electricity and appeal that he brings to baseball fans. That must be why the Padres decided they cannot let the young shortstop go, as MLB Insider Robert Murray reported the franchise has reached an agreement with Tatis Jr. on a 14-year, $340 million extension.
Tatis Jr. was heading into his first arbitration-eligible offseason next year, but that will not happen anymore. His one year of pre-arbitration and three years of arbitration-eligibility have been bought out by the contract. Instead, the Padres and Tatis Jr. have committed to each other for the long term with no third parties involved.
The contract becomes the third-highest dollar figure in MLB history, trailing only Mookie Betts ($365M) and Mike Trout ($360M).
The left side of the Padres’ infield is now locked in for a long time. Third baseman Manny Machado became a $300 million man himself two offseasons ago, and has eight years remaining on his contract with San Diego. With Tatis Jr. and Machado secured, the Padres have themselves quite a duo.