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 professional baseball right fielder playing for the San Diego Padres in MLB. He is the son of former MLB player Fernando Tatís Sr. A prominent figure in baseball, he is known for his athletic abilities and performance.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Signed by the White Sox

In 2015, Fernando Tatís Jr. was signed as an international free agent by the Chicago White Sox from the Dominican Prospect League, marking the start of his professional baseball career.

June 4, 2016: Traded to the Padres

On June 4, 2016, before playing a professional game, the Chicago White Sox traded the 17-year-old Fernando Tatís Jr. and Erik Johnson to the San Diego Padres for James Shields, changing the course of his career.

2017: Minor League Play

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, 75 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases.

March 26, 2019: Opening Day Roster

On March 26, 2019, the San Diego Padres announced that Fernando Tatís Jr. made their Opening Day roster, marking a significant milestone in his career.

April 1, 2019: First Major League Home Run

On April 1, 2019, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit his first major league home run, a memorable moment in his rookie season.

2020: Statistical Achievements

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

2020: Silver Slugger Award

In 2020, Fernando Tatís Jr. won the Silver Slugger Award, recognizing him as one of the best offensive shortstops in the league.

2020: Wild Card Series

In 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 in the next round.

July 6, 2021: Unusual High Catch

On July 6, 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. gained media attention for an unusually high catch in a game, drawing comparisons to double jumps seen in video games.

2021: Contract Extension

Before the 2021 season, Fernando Tatís Jr. signed a 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the Padres, which was among the richest in MLB history at the time.

2021: Silver Slugger Award

In 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. finished the season with impressive stats, including 42 home runs, and won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award, also finishing 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, solidifying his future with the team.

April 13, 2023: Three-Home Run Game

On April 13, 2023, while playing for the El Paso Chihuahuas, Fernando Tatís Jr. recorded a three-home run, eight-RBI game, showcasing his offensive power.

2023: Shift to Right Field

In 2023, Fernando Tatís Jr. transitioned to right field and was touted for his improved defense at the new position, marking a positive change in his defensive performance.