Is Fernando Tatis Jr. playing for San Diego Padres in 2023? Latest news explored

Once primed as the future face of the MLB, Fernando Tatis Jr. has become one of the most disappointing and polarizing figures in the game today. Tatis Jr. was one of the most exciting young players in baseball and was touted to bring a new generation to the forefront.

As quickly as Tatis Jr. became a household name, he tarnished his own reputation and image. He tested positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The failed drug test resulted in a 80-game suspension, as well as ruining his reputation league-wide. However, that suspension is set to come to an end after 20 games of the new campaign, allowing Fernando Tatis Jr. to play his first game on April 20 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"After saying yesterday that Fernando Tatis Jr. will be eased back into action and not play initially, Bob Melvin was asked how he balances the fact that he's returning from two surgeries but also missed out on a lot of reps last season:" - 97.3 The Fan

Several questions surrounded the superstar this offseason, particularly after the San Diego Padres signed Xander Bogaerts as a free agent. Bogaerts, who signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Friars, is slated to be the team's starting shortstop all season.

The move will shift Fernando Tatis Jr. to right field, a position he is expected to play for the majority of the 2023 season. While the young phenom has spent his career as a shortstop, Tatis Jr. has his eyes set on a higher prize: center field.

"Interesting News on two Major Players entertaining the idea of position changes this afternoon: Fernando Tatis is saying publicly he wants to play Center Field, while Judge took practice reps at 1B." - OTD Fantasy

It remains to be seen how he will fare in the outfield, but his elite athleticism should allow him to thrive in his new position.

A look at Fernando Tatis Jr. at this point in his career

Over three seasons in the MLB, Fernando Tatis Jr. has been a superstar in every sense of the word. In 273 games, the San Diego Padres shortstop has hit 81 home runs with 195 RBIs, while also stealing 52 bases. While his counting stats have been impressive, his career .292 batting average showcases his ability at the plate.

If he can continue to perform at the same level he did prior to his suspension and can remain healthy, he is a perennial MVP talent, such as his teammate Juan Soto.