Taking a look at the baseball career of Fernando Tatis Jr.

The San Diego Padres are locked into a 14-year deal with Fernando Tatis Jr.

He is under contract until the 2034 season, when Tatis is 35 years old.

Currently second on the Padres’ all-time career home run list. It is arguably only a matter of time before he eclipses teammate Manny Machado to be the franchise leader. Fernando Tatis Jr. should be a Padre for life, and that is a great thing for a franchise that has always had issues holding on to its young talent.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of his young career. These are ranked, but are in no particular order.

Several moments leave you awestruck.

#10- May 19, 2021, vs Colorado Rockies (Does the splits while stealing second base)

This is just a sample of the athleticism Tatis provides daily. Nothing overly dramatic here, just a swiped bag and a slipped cleat.

Still impressive to see on a baseball field.

#9- August 14, 2026- (Scores from first on infield grounder)

Fernando Tatis Jr. never stopped running to score from second base on this infield grounder!#BaseballyPlays pic.twitter.com/uSjEUrejcJ

— MLB Now (@MLBNow) August 14, 2026

Fresh in everyone’s mind is this play from just a few weeks ago.

An example of the pure speed and baseball instincts that Tatis possesses. For there not to be a play at home is impressive. Tatis rounded the bases at the perfect angle and sped home, scoring with ease.

#8- July 28, 2026, vs Colorado Rockies (First career five-hit game)

The first of what will likely be several five-hit games, Tatis went off this season against the Rockies. A team that he has owned throughout his career.

This game is an example of the complete hitter Tatis is growing into. Two of these hits were to the opposite field, as Tatis is showing an improved ability to let the ball travel and hit the ball the other way. This is exciting to see.

#7- April 1, 2021, vs Arizona Diamondbacks- Opening Day (Matrix move at first base to avoid pick off)

Tatis was facing Rockies right-hander Chi Chi González.

He showcased incredible flexibility by folding his torso completely backward at a near-90-degree angle while airborne to avoid the ball. This happened at the bottom of the second inning, as González threw a blistering 94 mph inside fastball that went high and tight, zooming directly toward Tatis’ head.

Tatis tagged up at third on Manny Machado’s popup into shallow left field. He read Trea Turner‘s momentum taking him away from the plate and sprinted home, sliding in just ahead of catcher René Rivera‘s tag.

#4- June 5, 2021, vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (3-homer game)

Tatís hit a solo homer in the 1st inning off Corbin Martin, followed by another solo shot in the second inning and a home run in the fourth inning off Riley Smith.

It marked the first time in Padres history that a player hit three home runs in the first four innings of a game.

#3- June 23, 2019, at Pittsburgh Pirates (Tags and scores on infield pop-up)

The rookie, Tatis, stood on third when a pop-up was hit to second baseman Kevin Newman.

Tatis tagged up, and when the infielder hesitated and caught him on his heels, Tatis sprinted home and slid safely under the tag.

#2- August 17, 2020, at Texas Rangers (3-0 swinging grand slam) 

This is the first career grand slam for Tatís, marking his second home run of the game and 11th of the season, which led MLB at the time.

Because the Padres held a commanding seven-run lead late in the game, swinging away on a 3-0 pitch drew criticism from the Rangers dugout. Padres manager Jayce Tingler noted after the game that Tatís had missed a take sign on the 3-0 count, which fueled the internal team discussion.

The very next pitch from Rangers reliever Ian Gibaut sailed intentionally behind Manny Machado’s back, though no ejections or official warnings were issued by the umpires.

The grand slam was the first piece of a historic feat for San Diego, as the Padres went on to become the first team in MLB history to hit a grand slam in four consecutive games.

#1- August 18, 2026, at New York Mets (2-homers and ‘The Catch”)

This game is arguably the pinnacle moment for the Padres’ outfielder thus far in his young career.

What a showman. What a ball player. We, in San Diego, are lucky.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.