Fernando Tatis Jr. is not to be traded “at this time.”

Fernando Tatis Jr., as we know, is an electrifying player. He has been making his mark in the Majors for several years now, and he is still the face of the San Diego franchise.

He lost some luster after breaking everything in 2021, but he remains a great baseball player.

That said, Tatis Jr. is still at the center of numerous trade rumors. We know he has a big contract, and since the Padres want to reduce their payroll, it makes sense to see him as someone who could leave.

But Kevin Acee, who covers the club's activities, took advantage of his visit to Foul Territory to explain that Tatis Jr. is not up for trade…

For now.

The Padres aren't shopping Fernando Tatis Jr., but the caveat appears to be “for now,” says @SDUTKevinAcee. pic.twitter.com/i3IcSb2MhD

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 28, 2026

Acee explains that the Padres don't want to trade Tatis Jr. because they fear losing part of their fan base that has become loyal since the Dominican player's arrival. In the club's eyes, losing Tatis Jr. would be devastating for fan loyalty.

However, the reporter also explains that the Padres are aware that they need to free up some money… and that Tatis Jr. is their only big contract that is truly tradable. Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts are not, so Tatis Jr. is the guy who will be easy to trade when the Padres really want to reduce their payroll.

What we understand, then, is that he will leave if and only if the Padres (really) want to cut expenses.

So we can expect to see Tatis Jr. start the next season with the Padres, and we can assume he'll finish it in San Diego as well. But if the club ends up being sold and the new owner wants to lower the club's payroll, things could change quickly.

To be continued, then.

This content was created with the help of AI.