Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. Reveals What He's Working on This Offseason

MVP Tatis loading for 2024.

The majority of the 2023 San Diego Padres team underperformed, leading to them missing the playoffs entirely. The players know that it was a poor season all around, and they are determined to get back to contention next year. 

The Padres have the talent on their roster to make the postseason, but it's about how they execute their game plan. One player who wants to forget about the 2023 season is star Fernando Tatis Jr., who had a down year by his standards.

He hit .257 with 25 home runs and 78 runs batted in over 141 games played. Tatis Jr. missed the first part of the season while serving the final part of a suspension, and the missed time could have contributed to his struggles.

Tatis Jr. revealed some things that he has been working on this offseason. He knows that his 2023 season wasn't the greatest, so he wants to get back to being a perennial MVP candidate.

“Just working on details that I feel like during the season was missing on the hitting part,” he said. “During the season, you’re a little afraid to try stuff. You’re already in the season and you just need results at the time. But now we can come and concentrate on what we thought we could have done better and just be a little bit more disciplined with it.”

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

Working out in the Dominican Republic gives Tatis Jr. the chance to work alongside his father, as well. His dad played in the big leagues and has helped Tatis Jr. become the player that he is today.

He gave him some thoughts on the 2023 season, and how to move forward from it. 

“He’s been working to separate,” Fernando Tatis Sr. said. “He’s doing a little thing on the plate to get his hands in the perfect position to hit, slow his body down. Quick hands, slow his feet down a little bit more and stay focused to hit the ball in only one place, not in different places. We’re working on that. And it’s been going well.”

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

It seems that the Padres will be getting a very motivated Tatis Jr. next season, and that should scare opposing teams. He is one of the most electric players in the game today, and we could see a rejuvenated player next year.