Earlier this week, news broke that the San Diego Padres were going to shake up the trade market in 2026 by putting their All-Star right fielder, Fernando Tatis Jr., on the trading block. As soon as the speculation emerged, teams around the league began circling him and discussing how he would fit into their lineups. But here’s the twist: it’s not just hard to chase Tatis right now; it’s almost impossible.

Let’s talk numbers first. Tatis is locked into a contract that runs through 2034, with roughly $290 million still owed over the next nine seasons. Additionally, he has a full no-trade clause, which makes things much more complicated. How can a deal really materialize when the player has to agree, and the money left is so high?

The noise picked up after Matthew Crory shared insights from MLB insider Robert Murray on his X. It read, “There were some early reports suggesting that the Padres could entertain the idea of trading Fernando Tatis Jr. I just can’t see that happening. Sure, teams will check in. It never hurts to ask. But Tatis Jr. is only 26 and is owed around $290 million over the next nine seasons. He also has a full no-trade clause, which further complicates any potential deal.

Perhaps a trade becomes a more realistic possibility if the Padres elect to shed payroll in future seasons, but the organization, and especially AJ Preller, wants to compete in 2026. And their best chance of doing so is with Tatis Jr. on the roster.”

Then came the confirmation that put an end to all the rumors. A report that came out early in the week became a hot topic as it spread like wildfire across the World Wide Web and reached the General Manager Meetings at The Cosmopolitan hotel.

The Padres made it clear that they would not cross that line. “We’re not trading Tatis,” one Padres source said emphatically on Wednesday.

Why this is important and why most teams should think twice before going after Tatis Jr. comes down to two primary points:

First, the no-trade clause provides Fernando Tatis Jr. the power to say no to any deal. The Padres can’t trade him without his consent, complicating negotiations with interested teams.

Moreover, as they enter a new phase with the team-for-sale, the clubhouse must prove its competitiveness. A.J. Preller, the president of baseball operations, noted, “We feel good about the core position players that we have.”

The Padres’ financial situation becomes more complicated in the coming years.

By 2027 and 2028, Tatis, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts will cost a combined $90.25 million yearly, rising to $101.25 million from 2029 to 2033. While this could lead to tough decisions in the future, it’s not an immediate concern for 2026.

So, right now, pursuing Fernando Tatis Jr. doesn’t create an idle situation for other teams.

The Padres need him on the field to compete next season. General Manager A.J. Preller and the new manager are focused on building a championship contender, and trading away their best offensive player before even trying isn’t a step they will take.

Padres sale underway — But ‘Business as Usual’ keeps Tatis Jr. in place

The San Diego Padres are in a strange situation: they are exploring selling the team while still showing they are stable on the field.

Team chairman John Seidler has said publicly that the organization’s strategy won’t change while ownership talks are ongoing. This is a clear statement.

According to reports, the club is also trying to secure a multi-year deal for President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, whose contract runs through 2026. The Padres’ determination to keep the core leadership in place, even as business conditions outside the team change, is clear from those talks.

With that in mind, it doesn’t make much sense to trade Fernando Tatis Jr. right now. Tatis is a key player for the team on both offense and defense, and moving him elsewhere would go against the message of continuity the Padres are trying to convey.

The squad seems to be focused on competing, not tearing things down, since Preller and the roster are set for the next few months.

If other teams are considering making a big bid to acquire Tatis, the indicators are clear: the Padres won’t sell their star just because ownership might change. The “business as usual” approach makes chasing Tatis a less likely bet until there is a major change in strategy or an offer the front office and the player can’t refuse.