Fernando Tatis Jr. Expects to Be 'Way Better' For Padres in 2024

The star is entering his age-25 season with high expectations.

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is looking forward to a big bounceback in 2024.

Tatis. Jr appeared in 141 games for the Padres last season after missing part of April while serving the end of an 80-game suspension. It wasn't the greatest season — at least by his standards — and Tatis expects to be better in 2024.

"I’m going to be way better,” Tatis said. “Way better. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but I’m just gonna tell you for sure I’m getting ready for a long season and I’m putting the work in.”

Per Fernando Tatis Jr. via The San Diego Union-Tribune

Tatis hit .257 with 25 home runs and 78 runs batted in last year. That might be considered a great year for some. For Tatis. Jr, it's a "down" season.

Prior to the suspension, Tatis was among the best players in the league. He was not alone in his struggles in 2023. The entire Padres' roster had its share of down moments. The team finished 82-80, vastly undershooting expectations, and missed the postseason.

Fernando Tatis Sr. gave his son some advice after the season was over. That could help the younger Tatis going forward, and could contribute to a bounceback season in 2024.

After the season, Fernando Tatis Sr. recalled saying to his son: “It’s not a good year. It’s not a great year. It’s not a bad year. It’s OK. But the talent that you have and the things that you can do on the field, those numbers are not enough.”

Per Fernando Tatis Sr. via The San Diego Union-Tribune

Having a former big league player as a dad likely helps Tatis Jr. and helps him put everything in perspective. The Padres will be counting on a major year from their star player, and the hope is that it helps them get back to the postseason.