Fernando Tatis Jr. Almost Stayed with the White Sox in 2016 Trade

San Diego, California — Fernando Tatis Jr. was nearly a Chicago White Sox player instead of a San Diego Padres star. The 24-year-old outfielder was traded to the Padres on June 4, 2016, but not without a surprising twist. Former White Sox general manager Rick Hahn revealed in an interview that Tatis was not initially the main prospect San Diego wanted in the deal that included veteran pitcher James Shields.

During the trade talks, Hahn recalled the Padres requested pitcher Erik Johnson and another unnamed arm. “San Diego actually asked for Erik Johnson, as well as another arm initially. We were reluctant to include two arms,” Hahn explained.

As negotiations continued, the Padres shifted their focus to Tatis. “They asked for Tatis, which they deserve a ton of credit for, identifying this guy out of complex ball as someone they wanted,” said Hahn, who admitted the deal turned out to be one of the worst in baseball history.

If Hahn had been open to trading two pitchers, Tatis might have remained a White Sox player. The team was looking to bolster its roster as they hovered around a .500 record at the time. Shields was seen as a durable option, but he struggled, finishing his time in Chicago with a 6.77 ERA.

Tatis, on the other hand, quickly became a cornerstone for the Padres. Since his debut in 2019, he has led the franchise’s resurgence, helping them reach the postseason several times. The trade is often discussed among baseball analysts as a pivotal moment for both teams.

As the Padres continue their strong performance this season, Hahn reflects on the trade that almost didn’t happen. The Padres are currently contending for a playoff spot, with Tatis showcasing his skills as one of the league’s most exciting players.