Padres News: Fernando Tatis, Ha-Seong Kim Named Finalists for Gold Glove Awards

The position switch served both men well.

Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. returned from a lengthy suspension from PED use at a surprising new position to start the 2023 season. 

Teammate Xander Bogaerts took over his post at shortstop to begin the year while Tatis Jr. was kicked out to right field upon his return. 

Tatis Jr.'s emergence as a quality outfielder wasn't expected at all but it allowed Ha-Seong Kim to play on a more regular basis. 

The 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards Finalists - NL Second Base - Ha-Seong Kim, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott#RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/L1FeL8I2MW

— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) October 18, 2023

As a result of this change, both men earned some Gold Glove consideration for their defensive work this season. 

The 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards Finalists - NL Right Field - Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., Lane Thomas#RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/06so1DKU7A

— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) October 18, 2023

Kim's defensive reputation made him a hot commodity before he became a Padre while he was still in the Korean league. 

Tatis Jr. on the other hand had plenty of critics for his lackluster defense at short. 

GM AJ Preller's choice to sign Bogaerts had many analysts speculate just where the young superstar would fit in on defense. 

The answer was in the outfield as Tatis Jr. became the best right-field defender in baseball with nine outs above average and an insane 27 defensive runs saved at a new position. 

His plus arm and outrageous speed made several difficult plays look routine and it looks as though Tatis Jr. is here to stay at right field. 

Kim played second base quite well but also kicked out to shortstop and third base when injuries plagued Bogaerts and Manny Machado throughout the season. 

To his credit, Kim compiled 16 defensive runs saved across the infield and 10 outs above average as the Friars' second-best defender in 2023. 

Kim not only earned consideration for his normal work at second base but also across the infield as one of three utility nominations for the NL this season. 

Even if 2023 didn't end in a postseason appearance for the roster, two of the best Padre defenders can tip their cap on some recognition during their regular seasons.