Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Fernando Tatis Jr. is experiencing a significant power outage in 2026, having recorded zero home runs through 143-148 plate appearances in the first 36 games of the season. Despite hitting the ball harder than nearly everyone in MLB (59.0% hard-hit rate, 4th in the league), he is slashing .242-.252/.311-.320/.295-.305 with an OPS+ of 71-76 (24% below league average). He has recorded 12 barrels without a home run, which statistically should have produced approximately 6 homers. His slugging percentage (.305) sits nearly 200 points below his career mark. The Padres have dropped him to the 5th spot in the lineup, the lowest position since his 2019 rookie season. This represents the longest home run drought of his career, as he typically hits his first homer by his fifth game in any season.
Strengths
- + Elite hard-hit rate (59.0%, 4th in MLB)
- + 12 barrels recorded suggest power potential is still present
- + High BABIP (.337) indicates good contact quality
- + Historical track record of 20+ home runs in recent full seasons
- + Maintained wRC+ above 130 in past two seasons despite injuries
- + Still an extremely productive offensive force historically
- + Expected to break out of slump soon based on barrel rate
About
Fernando Tatis Jr. is a right fielder for the San Diego Padres.
Player Overview
RF
San Diego Padres
Recent News
Fernando Tatis Jr. is at second base and hitting leadoff on Monday against the Dodgers.
May 18, 2026
Jackson Merrill has been dropped to sixth in the Padres lineup for Sunday night's game against the Mariners.
May 17, 2026
Fernando Tatis Jr. went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts versus the Brewers on Thursday.
May 14, 2026
Fernando Tatis Jr. is at second base and hitting second on Tuesday against the Brewers.
May 12, 2026
Patience or Panic: Fernando Tatis Jr., Bo Bichette, Jake Burger
May 12, 2026