Fernando Tatis Jr. has been at the center of controversy over the past several months.
While he was recovering from a wrist injury he suffered during the lockout, the San Diego Padres star shortstop was hit with an 80-game PED suspension.
However, that does not take away from the talent the Padres superstar possesses.
Today, “El Nino,” as he is known, is celebrating a birthday.
The slugger turns 24 today.
Over the course of his career, Tatis has been an All-Star, earned two MLB First-Team selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and has also been the home run king in the National League.
He also was MLB The Show’s youngest-ever cover athlete and recently signed a record 14-year, $340 million contract extension.
Fernando Tatis Jr. turns 24 today.
— All-Star
— 1x NL home run leader
— 2x Silver Slugger
— 2x First Team
— MLB The Show’s youngest-ever cover athlete
— Record-breaking contract: $340M / 14-yrs
— investor: Hyperice
— deals: Adidas, BMW, Bolt24HBD, El Niño. pic.twitter.com/LhfbiEwtdh
— Boardroom (@boardroom) January 2, 2023
Tatis has accomplished a lot in the early stages of his career.
The 24-year-old came up to the big leagues with the Padres in 2019.
A year later, he helped transform the Padres into a powerhouse in the National League.
Alongside Manny Machado, Tatis helped lead the Padres to the postseason for the first time since 2006.
The Padres reached the NLCS last season in his absence.
But once his suspension is over, he’ll give the Padres an extra power bat in their lineup to go with Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Juan Soto.
With Bogaerts in the fold, it’s very likely that Tatis will see more time in the outfield in 2023.
He could also potentially play a little second base while the Padres give Jake Cronenworth some reps at first base.
NEXT: The Padres Show Off Their Newest Superstar