SHOCKING NEWS: Padres GM AJ Preller Break Silence With a Brutal Admission on Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. Following Future Twist At Winter Meeting

The San Diego Padres enjoyed a successful regular season in 2024. Their 93 wins are the second-highest in franchise history, and they defeated the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card Series before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the ending was heartbreaking, San Diego’s future looks bright. AJ Preller, the Padres’ general manager, spoke highly of star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. on MLB Network during the Winter Meetings.

“He has great instincts. It is not only about physical abilities. He’s a guy who knows the game well; he grew up playing it. On the field and in the playoffs against excellent players from the Braves and the Dodgers, he was undoubtedly the best player,” Preller said.

Tatis began the postseason hotter than he has ever been. He had 22 plate appearances in Game 3 of the NLDS, recording 10 hits, three walks, and a hit by pitch. This adds up to a.636 OBP. In those five games, he homered four times, including two in Game 2 of the NLDS, which the Padres won 10-2.

Tatis, however, contributed to the Padres’ ultimate failure. Their whole offence vanished in the final two games against the Dodgers. While there isn’t much to fix, Preller needs to address their offensive issues from the playoffs.

What might the Padres add at the Winter Meetings?
The San Diego Padres missed the playoffs in 2023, and at last year’s Winter Meetings, they traded Juan Soto. They improved after dealing the superstar, putting them in a strong position to add this year. They are losing Ha-seong Kim, who has yet to sign but is unlikely to return to the Padres.
Kim played shortstop on a squad full of shortstops. Tatis, centre fielder Jackson Merrill, second baseman Xander Boegarts, and third baseman Manny Machado all appeared at the position. While Kim will be missed, they can replace his defensive worth internally.

Anthony Santander would make an excellent acquisition to the Padres. He can play outfield but is not a terrific fielder, thus he would probably be the designated hitter. It would assist provide pop to their lineup while not causing any more defensive concerns. They may move Boegarts to shortstop and put Luis Arraez and Jake Cronenworth on the right side of the infield.

Tanner Scott, who joined the Padres in a blockbuster trade, is also about to enter free agency. They should attempt to get him back and make the bargain worthwhile.