Fernando Tatis Jr. is gearing up for a monster season, aiming to prove his worth and silence the critics. The San Diego Padres star has faced a barrage of accusations since his PED suspension, with many questioning whether his previous success was steroid-related. Tatis Jr. is determined to show that he can achieve similar success without cheating, and he's ready to put the past behind him.
In 2025, Tatis Jr. made a bold statement during the Padres FanFest, declaring himself the best player in baseball when healthy and focused. However, his 2025 season was marred by mechanical issues, which he has since overcome. He addressed these concerns in his media availability, assuring fans that he has resolved the swing mechanics that affected his performance. During the player forum Q&A, Tatis Jr. set his sights on an MVP season, recognizing his responsibility to improve and meet the expectations of his dedicated fanbase.
Tatis Jr.'s journey has been marked by various injuries and controversies. His shoulder injury in 2021, which impacted his swing, and the wrist injury requiring surgeries, have raised suspicions about his steroid use. In 2023, after returning from his suspension and surgeries, Tatis Jr. experienced a decline in bat speed and exit velocity, leaving him with unanswered questions about the cause.
Comparing his 2024 and 2025 performance to his pre-PED days, Tatis Jr. has shown remarkable consistency in key statistics. According to Baseball Savant, his average exit velocity in 2024 was 93.5 (97th percentile), slightly lower than his 2020 peak of 95.9 (100th percentile). His hard-hit percentage in 2024 was 99th percentile, matching his 2020 performance. However, his bat speed in 2024 was 86th percentile, a statistic not measured in 2020.
In 2025, Tatis Jr.'s exit velocity was 93.3 (95th percentile), his hard-hit percentage was 93rd percentile, and his bat speed was 77th percentile. The most concerning statistic was his sweet spot percentage, which dropped to 4%, the lowest of his career, indicating a decline in power and slugging percentage. Tatis Jr. made constant adjustments to his swing, resulting in the best K-rate of his career, improved walk rate, and lowest chase rate.
Despite these improvements, Tatis Jr.'s swing still faces challenges. His inability to consistently hit the sweet spot of the bat is a significant issue. However, he believes he has addressed his mechanical concerns and is confident in his ability to perform at his peak. The key to dispelling steroid allegations lies in matching or surpassing his pre-suspension success while undergoing regular PED testing.
Tatis Jr.'s passion and dedication to his team and fans are evident. He wants to reward them with a performance that justifies his potential. While his emotions can be a double-edged sword, this season promises to showcase the real Tatis, leaving fans eager to witness his success and silence the doubters.
