With Fernando Tatis Jr. out for three months with a fractured wrist, the San Diego Padres are now without their star player.
Tatis sustained his injury in a motorcycle accident, and while the injury didn’t appear to be too severe at first, it progressed over time, and Tatis ultimately showed up to Padres’ camp with a fractured wrist.
As a result of the injury, the Padres have the option to void the contract Tatis signed last spring, an extension for 14 years and $340 million.
However, they have chosen not to do so, as they value their relationship with their star shortstop, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
The Padres are not expected to pursue voiding Fernando Tatís Jr.’s contract, even though an injury sustained while operating a motorcycle could provide the basis for doing so. One major reason: The team values its long-term relationship with a superstar player. (1/5) @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 15, 2022
Tatis Deserves Another Chance
While Tatis made a foolish error in judgment, it’s good to see the Padres not void his contract when they had the option to.
Tatis is still a young player, so mistakes are bound to happen from time to time.
It should also be noted that this injury was sustained during the lockout.
During that time period, players could not communicate with any team personnel, including team doctors.
The timing of Tatis’ injury is certainly poor, but the lockout did complicate things quite a bit, so that part was somewhat beyond Tatis’ control.
But Tatis has a very bright future ahead of him, which is one of the reasons the Padres gave him a massive extension last spring.
The Padres like him and have their future resting on his shoulders, so it was important for them to not void the contract and give up on him just because of one mistake.
While a foolish mistake, Tatis is still young and deserves a second chance.
One mistake shouldn’t cost him his future.
NEXT: Padres Manager Comments On Fernando Tatis Jr. Injury
