Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 70
The son of former 11-year Major Leaguer Fernando Tatis signed with the White Sox for $700,000 in July 2015, after he had ranked 30th on MLB Pipeline's list of the Top 30 international prospects. He was on the move a little less than a year later, going from Chicago to the Padres as part of the James Shields trade. In his first full season in 2017, Tatis became the first 18-year-old in Class A Midwest League history to post at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, before making the jump straight to Double-A in August. He returned to the level last season and was nearing another 20-20 campaign, with 16 homers and 16 steals through 88 games, until he underwent season-ending surgery for a fractured thumb that he sustained on a head-first slide in late July. He made up for some of that lost time during the offseason with an impressive performance in the Dominican Winter League.
As a shortstop capable of hitting for a high average with at least plus power, Tatis has one of the highest offensive ceilings in the Minors. He crushes the ball to all fields with an explosive but fluid right-handed swing that features a combination of bat speed, barrel awareness and huge extension through contact. His plus-plus raw power plays from line to line because he's comfortable letting the ball travel deep into the zone. While he can be too aggressive at times, leading to some swing-and-miss issues, Tatis has a consistent approach, puts together good at-bats and shows a high capacity for making adjustments. He also makes an impact on the bases, and he's improved his speed to the point where evaluators now view him as a plus runner.
Tatis has the necessary athleticism and tools required to stick at shortstop. He profiles as an above-average defender there, with a quick first step, good range and a strong arm that fuel his knack for making highlight-reel plays on a daily basis. While he could still outgrow the position, given his remaining physical projection, Tatis' bat could make him a perennial All-Star, perhaps even an MVP candidate, in his prime. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 1399 227 30 13.2 89.6 6.9 .259 .490 .398 .345 .460 44.1 29.6 8.1 ALL 1399 227 30 13.2 89.6 6.9 .259 .490 .398 .345 .460 44.1 29.6 8.1 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Rankings Triples Year 3B Rank 2019 6 10th in NL Caught Stealing Year CS Rank 2019 6 9th in NL Stolen Bases Year SB Rank 2019 16 14th in NL Transactions Team Date Transaction 11/04/2019 San Diego Padres activated SS Fernando Tatis Jr. from the 60-day injured list. 09/03/2019 San Diego Padres transferred SS Fernando Tatis Jr. from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Stress reaction in lower back. 08/16/2019 San Diego Padres placed SS Fernando Tatis Jr. on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 14, 2019. Stress reaction in lower back. 06/06/2019 San Diego Padres activated SS Fernando Tatis Jr. from the 10-day injured list. 06/03/2019 San Diego Padres sent SS Fernando Tatis Jr. on a rehab assignment to Amarillo Sod Poodles. 04/30/2019 San Diego Padres placed SS Fernando Tatis Jr. on the 10-day injured list retroactive to April 29, 2019. Left hamstring strain. 01/24/2019 San Diego Padres invited non-roster SS Fernando Tatis Jr. to spring training. 07/21/2018 Fernando Tatis Jr. roster status changed by San Antonio Missions. 07/17/2018 San Antonio Missions activated SS Fernando Tatis Jr. from the temporarily inactive list. 07/14/2018 San Antonio Missions placed SS Fernando Tatis Jr. on the temporarily inactive list. 01/18/2018 San Diego Padres invited non-roster SS Fernando Tatis Jr. to spring training. 10/14/2017 SS Fernando Tatis Jr. assigned to Estrellas Orientales. 08/21/2017 SS Fernando Tatis Jr. assigned to San Antonio Missions from Fort Wayne TinCaps. 04/02/2017 SS Fernando Tatis Jr. assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps. 03/01/2017 SS Fernando Tatis Jr. assigned to San Diego Padres. 08/19/2016 SS Fernando Tatis Jr. assigned to Tri-City Dust Devils from AZL Padres. 06/20/2016 3B Fernando Tatis Jr. assigned to AZL Padres. 06/04/2016 San Diego Padres traded RHP James Shields and cash to Chicago White Sox for Erik Johnson and 3B Fernando Tatis Jr.. 07/02/2015 Chicago White Sox signed free agent 3B Fernando Tatis Jr. to a minor league contract.
