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Over the past month or so, talks between the Padres and superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. have been ramping up regarding a potential contract extension this offseason.
Per Pio Deportes, the sides have recently been discussing a massive 11-year, $320 million extensions and it’s reportedly “in the advanced stages” of the conversation. Other outlets that have also confirmed these talks include Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBC Sports Bay Area and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
If the deal stands at $320 million, it would become the largest deal in franchise history, beating out Manny Machado’s $300 million deal which was signed prior to the 2019 season. Per CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry, an 11-year extension would effectively buy out seven years of free agency as Tatis is currently scheduled to hit free agency in 2024. He also notes that to delay his free agency that long obviously comes with the huge price tag.
Over his first two professional seasons (143 games), Tatis has slashed .301/.374/.582 with 39 home runs and 27 stolen bases. Following the abbreviated 2020 season, he was named First-Team All MLB at shortstop and won a Silver Slugger Award.
“Needless to say, the Padres would do well to secure his services for long-term future,” says Perry. “From Tatis’ standpoint, he gets life-changing money and would commit himself to a team that figures to contend for years to come.”