Fernando Tatis Jr. could be traded by Padres for one reason, reveals MLB insider

The San Diego Padres are heading into an offseason of change. Mike Shildt's surprising retirement has already led to the Padres making a big change at manager, hiring Craig Stammen just three years removed from pitching for San Diego in the Majors

Now, with a manager signed for the next few years, the Padres front office, led by A.J. Preller, can begin reshaping the roster this winter. Dylan Cease and Michael King are free agents, as is closer Robert Suarez.

A lot of work needs to be done to bolster this roster, and according to USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Padres could make a huge Fernando Tatis Jr. decision this winter.

How Padres could trade Fernando Tatis Jr.

"They certainly don't want to trade him," Nightengale writes, "and still many do not listen now, but with all of their bloated and back-loaded contracts, someone is going to eventually have to depart."

San Diego could look to move on from Tatis for a massive haul, as the $340 million contract over 14 years is very movable and appealing for another team to take on.

While letting Tatis walk, who just won the Platinum Glove in the National League, would set the Padres fan base off, the return package could set the club up for immense long-term success.

More: Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. wins second Gold Glove award

However, while Nightengale paints a picture that the Padres could be open to trading Tatis, Preller's trade deadline move from the 2025 season, shipping off Leo De Vries for Mason Miller, points to San Diego not selling this offseason.

Tatis is a key part of the Padres roster, and while they could eventually trade him, now is not the time for such a move.

Maybe in a few years, when things begin to unravel if they can't get over the hump and go on another deep playoff run, then a Tatis trade might make more sense.

But now? Trading Tatis would be a sudden change for the front office in San Diego to make.

Even if it saves money, the main reason Nightengale believes Tatis could be traded, it'd be a huge departure from the Padres' approach to each season and would signal a shift in philosophy that would disappoint Padres fans.

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