Padres GM believes in players' adaptability, but sees Fernando Tatis Jr.'s future in outfield - Source: Getty
The San Diego Padres have a shortstop problem. After signing Xander Bogaerts, the team shifted Fernando Tatis Jr. to the outfield following Juan Soto’s trade to the New York Yankees. Bogaerts subsequently moved to second base, leaving the shortstop position vacant.
NL Rookie of the Year finalist Jackson Merrill was initially a shortstop prospect, but the Padres’ coaching staff determined he would be better suited to the outfield. Ha-Seong Kim filled the shortstop role in 2024, but a labrum injury ended his season prematurely. Kim is expected to return in the first half of 2025, though the Padres would need to re-sign him as he has entered free agency.
With the issue looming this offseason, Padres general manager A.J. Preller addressed whether the team is considering moving Tatis Jr. back to shortstop during the MLB GM Winter Meetings in Dallas.
