Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr Wants to Return to Shortstop at Some Point

Where should the Padres play Tatis Jr. going forward?

As the offseason gets going, the San Diego Padres have some big decisions to make regarding how they shape their roster for next season. The team missed the postseason in disappointing fashion in 2023, and they want to make sure that the same thing doesn’t happen again in 2024.

Some of those decisions include where they will play their players on defense for the coming year. The team already moved pieces around last season to make room for their free-agent signings. But this year, it seems that we could see more of the same from this team.

Star Fernando Tatis Jr. excelled in his position change from shortstop to outfielder for the Padres this season. His ability to play in the outfield gave San Diego much flexibility to maneuver others around, and it allowed the team to use his versatility to their advantage.

However, it does seem that he wants to return to his original position at some point down the line. Tatis Jr. just wants to win, so he will stay in the outfield if the team needs him to, but the persuasion of playing in the infield may be too much for him.

“I would like to,” said Tatis, who is signed through 2034. “I see myself just as a good baseball player and I can do the toughest jobs.”

Per Fernando Tatis Jr. via The Athletic

Tatis Jr. is a star in his own right, and he showed everyone in the organization his willingness to do what it takes. This will be big for the team going forward. 

“I like right field more than center,” said Tatis, who has spoken in the past about wanting to test himself in center field. “I feel like right field at Petco Park is way bigger than center field. … I get more chances to get more balls, and I feel like my speed is just gonna play a lot out there.”

Per Fernando Tatis Jr. via The Athletic

The Padres will need to figure out where he best suits them going forward, and they can then build their roster accordingly. San Diego values versatility, so even knowing that he can play multiple positions will be huge for them.