Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. Could Move Positions Again Next Season

Short on outfield depth, the Padres might need to move their Platinum Glove winner.

As the San Diego Padres are getting ready to begin spring training soon, the team is still looking to fill out its outfield.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, star Fernando Tatis Jr. could possibly switch positions for the second straight year. This would come after he won a Platinum Glove in right field last season — his first season playing the position.

Right now, the Padres have five outfielders on their 40-man roster: Tatis, José Azócar, Jackson Merrill, Jakob Marsee and Cal Mitchell.

Due to the departure of Juan Soto, the Padres are currently without a left fielder, which could precipitate Tatis Jr. moving around to help fill the outfield void.

"Though the Padres would like to keep Tatis’ Platinum Glove in right field, they haven’t ruled out the possibility of sliding him over one spot."

Per Dennis Lin of The Athletic

In his first season switching from shortstop to right field, Tatis Jr. was the best at his position. He held a fielding percentage of .980 while producing 12 assists, second among National League right fielders.

The Padres still need outfield help, which could come from the organization's minor league system.

Lin went on to note that both Merrill and Graham Pauley could be possibilities in the outfield. However, both have spent the majority of their minor league careers playing the infield, and the possibility of them switching positions could hinder for their long-term development plan.

Another option for the Padres would be to address the need via free agency. One viable candidate left the board Thursday:

Harrison Bader has agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Mets, per source. @martinonyc and @Joelsherman1 were on it.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 4, 2024

Some veterans with outfield experience still remain unsigned: Randal Grichuk, Teoscar Hernández, or even Wil Myers, who played right field for the Padres from 2015-22. Given the mandate to cut costs this offseason, it's possible the front office will wait out the market to sign a veteran outfielder willing to lower his asking price.

Expect someone to arrive, either via trade or free agency, to bolster the Padres' depth chart before the regular season begins. Depending on how he fits with the rest of the personnel, Tatis might get his wish of staying planted in right field.