In discussions about the best young players in baseball, it’s easy to leave out Padres shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. He plays on the west coast for a team last in its division last season, so it’s not like he’s in the spotlight much. But despite playing in only 83 games last year due to hamstring and back injuries, he still finished third in Rookie of the Year voting.
His skills are undeniable. What makes him a real joy to watch his his personality, though. His passion and attitude are infectious.
Tatís’s combination of talent and swag was on full display last night in San Diego when he absolutely cranked a homer off of Dodgers starter Ross Stripling.