San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. Leads Baseball in This Category, Has Become Elite Defensive Outfielder

When we talk about Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres, we usually talk about his bat, but we should also be taking notice of his glove.

When we talk about San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr., we almost always talk about his bat, but we should be taking more notice of his defense. 

With the Padres acquisition of Xander Bogaerts in the offseason, Tatis Jr. transitioned to the outfield full-time. Since coming back from a PED suspension in April, Tatis Jr. has looked great in right field and has become one of the most elite outfielders in the game.

Per Danny Vietti of CBS Sports:

Fernando Tatis Jr. now leads all of MLB (regardless of position) with 15 defensive runs saved. This is his first full season as an outfielder in his entire life.

Fernando Tatis Jr. now leads all of MLB (regardless of position) with 15 defensive runs saved.

This is his first full season as an outfielder in his entire life. pic.twitter.com/ca9OO8LKzc

— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) July 6, 2023

It certainly has been a good transition for Tatis Jr. and a beneficial one for the Padres. The team needed to find a way to accommodate all of its stars and get them in the lineup, and this has been a positive way to do it.

As for Tatis Jr. at the plate, he's succeeding there as well. In 282 at-bats, he's hitting .287 with 16 homers, 44 RBI and 14 stolen bases. He's posted an .879 OPS and has been a solid performer in a mostly lethargic team offense this season.

For his career, he's a .291 hitter with 97 homers and 239 RBI.

The Padres are a disappointing 41-46 this year but they have won three straight games and remain on the fringes of the National League wild card picture. They are 6.5 games back of the final wild card spot, tied with the New York Mets, who they open up a series with on Friday.

First pitch is 9:40 p.m. ET.

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