Tigers trade pitch moves on from four players, including three prospects for Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr

It still feels unlikely that the San Diego Padres are really looking to move Fernando Tatis Jr., but if the organization truly is looking to shed money, this is the type of move that would help with that. 

From San Diego’s perspective, any Tatis discussion isn’t about talent, but rather getting rid of his 14-year, $340 million deal.

The next question would be finding a deal, and Christopher Kline of FanSided proposed one for the Detroit Tigers that would give the Padres a decent return.

Detroit Tigers receive:
• Tatis

San Diego Padres receive:
• Wenceel Perez
• Hao-Yu Lee
• Josue Briceno
• Jaden Hamm 

“Tatis' contract pays him a smidge over $20 million next season, but escalates to $36.7 million annually from 2029-2034. On one hand, that means almost a decade of control for the Tigers. On the other, it's a lot of guaranteed money and significant back-end risk, which typically dissuades this Detroit front office. But we know the Tigers were willing to pay Alex Bregman a handsome sum last winter, and the uncertain future of Tarik Skubal increases the pressure to make something happen,” he wrote.

Tatis is still a franchise-caliber player and global superstar, but the deal is expensive and very long, especially for a Padres team already questioning payroll and questions about whether they can compete.

For the Padres, this would signal a rebuild, so moving on from others after would make a lot of sense.

More Tigers news:

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• Tigers linked to Mets, Yankees outfielder to help fix offense that needs all the help it can get
• Dodgers trade proposal moves World Series contributor and much more for Tigers’ Tarik Skubal to guarantee back-to-back-to-back titles
• Tigers linked to left-hander who will get $200 million to replace Tarik Skubal
• MLB.com insider reveals what Tigers are looking for in any Tarik Skubal trade
• Red Sox All-Star and fan favorite reportedly high on Tigers list of free agents