San Diego Padres Face Defensive Alignment Decisions With The Return Of Fernando Tatis Jr.

Barring any complications, like a rained out game, San Diego Padres star shortstop, Fernando Tatis Jr., is eligible to return from his 80-game suspension April 20, 2023.

The right-handed hitting Tatis Jr. turned 24, January 2.

In August of 2022, Tatis Jr. was suspended 80-games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance. That substance use was a violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The Padres will welcome Tatis Jr. back for the first game of a road trip that begins in Phoenix with a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After an off day, the Padres will face the Chicago Cubs in Chicago for a three-game set. Padres fans will get their first home look at Tatis Jr. once again during a home series with the San Francisco Giants, beginning April 29.

The story of Tatis Jr. has been one of frustration for the player, his fans, and the Padres organization.

Tatis Jr. was recovering from a left wrist fracture when the substance abuse ban was announced. The ban would allow him time for a more complete recovery from the wrist surgery.

During his suspension, Tatis Jr. decided to have surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. It was reported that Tatis Jr. had at least four subluxations (dislocations) of his left shoulder. The Padres had suggested surgery in October 2021, but Tatis Jr. was determined to play through the pain, opting against surgery.

Tatis Jr. changed his mind during his suspension. He had shoulder surgery September 6, 2022.

As they prepare to open spring training, a healthy Tatis Jr. is ready to once again take his place on the Padres roster.

Where Will Fernando Tatis Jr. Play On Defense?

This past offseason, San Diego made a huge, long-term commitment to shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The team signed Bogaerts, 30, to a massive, 11-year, $280M contract.

In 2021, before his injuries and suspension, shortstop Tatis, Jr. made the National League All Star Team.

Tatis Jr. is signed to a 14-year, $338M contract. However, according to Fangraphs, his 2022 and early 2023 salaries carry a reduction in value due to his suspension.

To complicate the shortstop situation, 27-year-old Ha-Seong Kim has had two outstanding seasons for the Padres. Ha-Seong Kim is widely regarded as one of the finest defensive shortstops in the game. It would be very tough to move him out of the infield.

Not to mention that Ha-Seong Kim held his own on the offensive side of the ball. Last year, he hit 11 home runs, driving in 59, and scoring 58 runs. He stole 12 bases in 15 attempts. He struck out 100 times in his 582 plate appearances, while walking 51 times.

With excellent options, shortstop and second base get a bit complicated with a wealth of riches at the position.

Bogaerts is seen as a good shortstop, and the Padres are highly likely to keep Bogaerts at his natural shortstop position. That would help avoid serious disruption to his game, while moving Kim to second base.

That means Tatis Jr. could move to the outfield, where he has played before with San Diego.

In 2021, his last time on the field, Tatis Jr. played 102 games at shortstop, 20 games in right field, and seven games in center field.

Tatis Jr. is an excellent athlete. Playing the outfield should not hamper his game. He will, however, have to get used to tracking the ball off the bat, taking proper routes, and playing tricky angles in various outfields.

Padres Enjoy Offensive Depth and Versatility:

As the team prepares to begin spring training, it would appear either left-handed hitting Juan Soto, 24, or Tatis Jr. will begin the year in right field, with the other player stationed in left.

Highly regarded left-handed hitting Trent Grisham, 26, could win the center field role.

The Padres are deep enough with position players that any configuration in the outfield and infield could be possible.

To this writer, it seems that only third baseman Manny Machado and catcher Austin Nola have firm grips on their defensive roles.

Consider that right-handed hitting free agent Adam Engel, 31, could be available to play any of the three outfield positions.

Brandon Dixon, 31, also a right-handed hitter, has played the outfield, third base and first base in his career.

Jose Azocar, 26, another right-handed hitter, could see time in the outfield.

Left-handed hitting Matt Carpenter, 37, was also signed as a free agent. He has played third base, the outfield, and first base in his career.

For this writer, the team may find Jake Cronenworth, 29, to be the best option to play first base. He continues to show defensive prowess at multiple positions, and he has the type of bat that can be sneaky effective in a lineup surrounded by proven hitting stars like Machado, Soto, Bogaerts, and Tatis Jr.

Even with Carpenter on the roster, first base appears to be the defensive position with the least depth on the Padres roster.

To make the offense even deeper on paper, the team signed 42-year-old Nelson Cruz to serve as the designated hitter.

Can Cruz still hit with power? The Padres are willing to take the risk, after signing Cruz to a 1-year, $1M contract. The risk at that price is extremely minimal. The potential rewards are outstanding.

Conclusions:

Regardless of the defensive positions for their star players, Padres manager Bob Melvin will enjoy a roster of All Star candidates all around the diamond.

The defensive alignment will work itself out during spring training and the early season schedule.

Given the flexibility and versatility of their offensive roster, the return to form of Fernando Tatis Jr. could help swing the entire season in a positive direction for San Diego.

Last year, playing without Tatis Jr., the Padres finished at 89-73, which earned them second place in the National League West, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Padres finished 22 games behind Los Angeles.

Can San Diego make up those 22 games?

RosterResource lists the Padres estimated 2023 payroll to be $264M. That’s an increase from the estimated $214M the Padres spent in 2022.

The estimated payroll amount includes a new, 6-year, $108M contract for pitcher Yu Darvish. The contract expires after the 2028 season. Darvish is currently 36-years old.

The Padres estimated payroll is above the second level of the MLB Luxury Tax system.

The four Luxury Tax thresholds are $233M, $253M. $273M, and $293M.

Their huge payroll may bring a return to the postseason for an aggressive team still chasing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

At this point, the Padres certainly have a better chance for success with Fernando Tatis Jr. returning to their lineup.