Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Fernando Tatís Jr.

How Fernando Tatís Jr. built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Fernando Tatís Jr., nicknamed "El Niño" and "Bebo", is a Dominican professional baseball player renowned for his skills as a right fielder and shortstop for the San Diego Padres in MLB. The son of former MLB player Fernando Tatís Sr., he has quickly become one of the most exciting and marketable players in baseball, known for his dynamic play and offensive capabilities.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Signed by White Sox

In 2015, the Chicago White Sox signed Fernando Tatís Jr. as an international free agent from the Dominican Prospect League.

June 4, 2016: Traded to Padres

On June 4, 2016, the White Sox traded Fernando Tatís Jr. and Erik Johnson to the San Diego Padres for James Shields.

2017: Played in Fort Wayne and San Antonio

In 2017, Fernando Tatís Jr. played for the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the San Antonio Missions, achieving a combined .278 batting average with 22 home runs and 75 RBIs.

March 26, 2019: Made Opening Day Roster

On March 26, 2019, the Padres announced that Fernando Tatís Jr. made their Opening Day roster.

April 1, 2019: First MLB Home Run

On April 1, 2019, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit his first major league home run.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Fernando Tatís Jr. made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2020: Wild Card Series Home Runs

During Game 2 of the 2020 Wild Card Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit two home runs, helping the Padres win the series before losing to the Dodgers.

2020: Led NL in Power-Speed Number

In 2020, Fernando Tatís Jr. led the National League (NL) in power-speed number (13.4) and demonstrated high performance statistics, including a .277 batting average, 17 home runs, and 11 stolen bases.

July 6, 2021: Unusual Catch

On July 6, 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. received media attention for an unusually high catch, which appeared to resemble a double jump typically seen in video games.

2021: Contract Extension with the Padres

Before the 2021 season, Fernando Tatís Jr. signed a 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the Padres. A portion of his earnings would go to Big League Advance.

2021: Season Achievements

Fernando Tatís Jr. finished the 2021 season with a .282 batting average, 97 RBIs, 25 stolen bases, and an NL-leading 42 home runs. He also won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award and finished third in NL MVP voting.

2021: All-Star and Contract Extension

In 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. was named an All-Star and signed a 14-year, $340 million contract extension.

2021: Led National League in Home Runs

In his 2021 season, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit 42 home runs, the most in the National League that year.

April 13, 2023: Three Home Run Game

On April 13, 2023, while playing for the Padres' Triple-A affiliate El Paso Chihuahuas, Fernando Tatís Jr. recorded a three home run, eight-RBI game.

2023: Move to Right Field

Although Fernando Tatís Jr. was described as a subpar defender at shortstop, he has been touted for his defense since he moved to right field in 2023.