Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Bat Has Been Average This Season, But He's Been A Defensive Stud In Right Field

[Bryan Jaeger]

A consistent presence in the San Diego Padres lineup this season, Fernando Tatis Jr. has appeared in 126 of 129 games after a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 22. At the plate, the right fielder is having an average season by his standards, slashing .267/.373/.433 with an .806 OPS, 89 runs, 17 home runs, 52 knocked in, and 25 stolen bases.

Although his bat hasn't impressed, he's on track for a second Gold Glove Award, having last won in 2023. Gold Glove winners make tough plays look easy, show quick reflexes, possess strong arms, and understand their roles—attributes Tatis Jr. consistently demonstrates.

One key defensive statistic is outs above average (OAA), which measures the number of outs made compared to an average player. Baseball Savant reports that Tatis Jr. leads all right fielders with a +10 OAA, ahead of Wilyer Abreu (+9) and Corbin Carroll (+7). He has prevented nine runs with a 91% success rate, which exceeds the 88% expected rate.

Tatis Jr. ranks not only as the top right fielder in OAA but also as the No. 16 player overall in MLB regardless of position and the best among Padres teammates, three points ahead of shortstop, Xander Bogaerts (+7).

Tatis Jr.'s high OAA comes from tracking balls in front of or over his head. Out of 242 attempts, he has a 92% success rate straight up (expected: 88%). On 44 balls to his right, his 86% success matches the expectation. On 24 balls to his left, he's slightly below the 85% expected rate at 83%.  

Given these stats, Tatis Jr. is on pace to surpass his 2023 Gold Glove season. In 2023, he played 137 games (1,175 1/3 innings), recorded 282 putouts, 12 assists, and six errors for a .980 fielding percentage. This season, he has recorded 281 putouts, four assists, and three errors, resulting in a .990 fielding percentage. He's positioned well for a second Gold Glove, having matched or exceeded his 2023 performance and proving himself as the top right fielder this year.

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