San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. is scorching at the plate to open the month of June. Manager Craig Stammen has been reluctant to lock his superstar into one defensive position at either second base or right field because it might limit the offense’s potential. With the need for more run production amid key injuries, the Padres may be forced to place Tatis Jr. at one position to acquire another bat.
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In June, Tatis Jr.’s offensive production is .359/.390/.513 with a HR and three RBI, which makes him the lineup’s hottest hitter. Despite his production, the offense still needs another proven batter. Keeping his right-handed superstar at one position allows the front office to pursue potential hitters available on the trade market.
Stammen delays selecting position for Tati
Stammen appears to be indifferent to making such a move. He likes the versatility his lineup offers. However, if the offensive slump continues, it may force the Padres to make a deal.
Granted, Tatis Jr. progressed through the minors as a shortstop before moving to the outfield and becoming a Gold Glove winner. But Jake Cronenworth sustained a concussion that forced Stammen to move Tati back to the infield at second base.
He has deployed Tatis Jr. back in right field and inserted Sung-Mun Song at second against tough right-handed starting pitchers. The latter is a decent fielder, but Song has struggled at the plate. He is hitting .190 with eight hits in 42 at-bats. His offensive struggles will garner further scrutiny if the team’s poor play extends much longer.
Injuries too much to overcome
The loss of Cronenworth has been a major void, as he looked to regain his offensive proficiency after a slow start to the 2026 campaign. The second baseman was placed on the concussion injury list in early May. Cronenworth has begun light baseball activities, including soft running, fielding, and tossing drills. But there is no guarantee that he will return to the lineup this season.
Now, the Friars are in dire straits with the loss of Ramon Laureano from the starting lineup. He underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. The recovery time is four to five months, which means Laureano will miss the remainder of the 2026 season.
Unfortunately, the injury might have ended his playing career in San Diego, as he is eligible to become a free agent at season’s end. To replace Laureano in the lineup, Gavin Sheets is expected to play the majority of the time in left field.
A decision has to be made
It seems like the front office is delaying adding another piece to the roster until they get confirmation that Cronenworth will not return this season. Choosing a position for Tatis Jr. allows them to do their due diligence on the price needed to trade for a bat.
The Friars need to find a way to generate more run production from the bottom of the lineup. Adding another hitter will lengthen the batting order.
It does not matter whether the Padres acquire a second baseman or corner outfielder, as long as they solve their offensive issues.
But do not wait too long, or your top trade targets might get dealt.
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