San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller declared Fernando Tatis Jr. untouchable in trade discussions on Wednesday, marking a rare public stance for an executive known for aggressive roster maneuvering. Preller made the comments as MLB\'s Winter Meetings concluded in Orlando amid widespread speculation about the $340 million right fielder\'s availability.
Preller addressed persistent trade rumors surrounding Tatis despite the Padres\' attempts to quell speculation throughout the week. Team officials privately insisted the two-time Platinum Glove winner was not for sale before Preller\'s public declaration.
\"He\'s somebody that ... we\'re not talking about (trading),\" Preller said. \"So, however you want to view that, if you want to say that\'s untouchable, you can say that.\"
The statement represents a departure from Preller\'s established approach to roster construction. At the 2018 Winter Meetings, Preller famously said of then-prospect Tatis: \"If someone wants to give us two Tatises for one Tatis, you\'re going to talk about it.\"
The Padres face significant financial constraints with the franchise up for sale and multiple nine-figure contracts on the books. League sources said San Diego has shopped second baseman Jake Cronenworth\'s remaining five years and $60 million. The team has also entertained interest in left fielder Ramon Laureano and considered trading reliever Jeremiah Estrada.
Preller acknowledged other clubs have not stopped asking about Tatis despite San Diego\'s messaging. Multiple veteran executives described the 27-year-old as the lone Padres player with a significant contract who could fetch enough controllable talent to maintain competitiveness.
\"Tatis is one of the best players in baseball,\" Preller said. \"I think for us to get to where we want to get to, we need Fernando to be an A-lane, MVP, whatever kind of category you want to put on it. He can be that type of player.\"
The Padres also face decisions regarding controllable pieces like starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, whose inflated market value could yield multiple controllable starters or prospect capital in return.