Padres Infielder Believes Fernando Tatis Jr. is Back to Full Strength

The San Diego Padres entered into the 2024 season ready to prove people wrong after they completely botched 2023. San Diego's roster looked a little more well-rounded compared to 2023 but many were skeptical to pick them after what happened last season.

However, the Padres have looked decent to start the year, even if things haven't fully gone their way so far. One of the biggest positives of the year has been the play of star outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., who has seemed to be back to full strength after a down 2023.

First baseman Jake Cronenworth gave his thoughts on Tatis Jr. so far, saying he believes he is back to being himself.

“I think he’s back to himself,” first baseman Jake Cronenworth said after an 8-7 Padres victory in which Tatis’ seventh-inning homer ultimately set the stage for Merrill’s decisive single in the top of the 11th. “I think he’s finally comfortable in his role in right field, not that he wasn’t last year obviously. But I think it’s one of those things — he’s got a full season under his belt from last year (after) being out for a year, and this is the Tati I know.”

On the year, Tatis Jr. has hit .290 with five home runs and 11 runs batted in. He has helped the Padres stay afloat thus far and the team is thankful he is back to normal.

Tatis Jr. is the engine that drives the Padres so having him produce heavily again is a welcome sight for San Diego. If he can continue this type of production throughout the entire season, he will likely be in the mix for the National League MVP award.