The New York Yankees were floated as a Fernando Tatis Jr. trade destination thanks to radio personality Rick DiPietro. Unfortunately, that rumor is not based in reality.
Just last week, Michael Kay hinted that the Yankees could be working on something big behind the scenes, rather than simply honing in on the likes of Carlos Rodon. Most fans assumed that was signing Carlos Correa, or a Bryan Reynolds trade.
Maybe we’ve been off this whole time! Or, perhaps more likely, Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is not an MLB insider. DiPietro claims New York could be one of several teams in on Fernando Tatis Jr.
As juicy as that sounds, it’s not real.
Here’s the clip where he brings up Tatis Jr. pic.twitter.com/FcjY4a1STN
— Jeremy Olenski (@JeremyOlenski) December 12, 2022
FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray quelled any potential ‘rumors’ regarding Tatis Jr. on Monday morning.
“Despite rumors, Fernando Tatis Jr. is not available via trade. The Padres intend to build around Tatis and their offseason moves are a reflection of that. He will not be traded,” Murray said.
Could the Yankees swing a trade for Fernando Tatis Jr?
The Padres signed Tatis Jr. to a 14-year, $340 million contract just last August. Even with the recent controversy surrounding his PED usage, trading him is borderline impossible. Yanks Go Yard’s Adam Weinrib sums it up better than I ever could, and included a hockey-related mic drop in the process.
"“DiPietro, of all people, should know how immobile long-term contracts can be, considering he’s still sitting on the Islanders’ books until 2028-29. Add in the controversy, the complicated mechanics, and the fact that the Padres don’t want to sell an absolute superstar at his floor, and it’s clear this will never happen.”"
Oh boy, where do I start?
Padres would never trade Fernando Tatis Jr
Tatis Jr.’s contract does make him a tough add for the Yankees or any team at this juncture, especially given the recent drama surrounding his name. Tatis Jr. was suspended for 80 games last season after he tested positive for PEDs. He was involved in a motorcycle accident, which kept him out of the majority of last year’s campaign anyway. He’s also amid a likely position switch to the outfield or elsewhere. AND the Padres hope to contend with him in a stacked lineup, which now includes Xander Bogaerts at shortstop (we assume).
Hopefully, that’s enough to keep this story at bay.