Padres' Tatis Jr. Eyed for Possible 2026 MVP Run

Analyst says the 27-year-old outfielder has the talent to contend for the award if he can stay healthy.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The San Diego Padres are hoping that superstar outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. can return to MVP-caliber form in 2026 after dealing with injuries and a PED suspension in recent seasons. Analyst Ben Verlander believes Tatis has the tools to make a run at the National League MVP award this year if he can avoid the injury bug and play consistent baseball.

Why it matters

Tatis is one of the most talented young players in baseball, but his career has been derailed by off-field issues and health problems. If he can regain his All-Star form, it would be a major boost for the Padres as they look to contend in the NL West.

The details

Tatis, who just turned 27, finished third in MVP voting in 2021 but has struggled to stay on the field since then. He moved from shortstop to right field last season and won a Platinum Glove, while also cutting down on his strikeout rate. Verlander highlighted Tatis' impressive Statcast metrics and believes he has the all-around game to push for an MVP award if he can avoid injuries.

  • Tatis finished third in MVP voting in 2021.
  • Tatis was suspended for PEDs in a previous season, which will always be part of his story.
  • Tatis is entering his age-27 season in 2026.

The players

Fernando Tatis Jr.

A 27-year-old outfielder for the San Diego Padres who is considered one of the most talented young players in baseball, but has dealt with injuries and off-field issues in recent seasons.

Ben Verlander

A baseball analyst who believes Tatis has the tools to contend for the NL MVP award in 2026 if he can stay healthy and play consistent baseball.

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What they’re saying

“Look, he just turned 27 years old, he is still extremely young. His baseball savant page is just a beauty across the board. What he has done, going from shortstop to right field, it is not easy to say 'go play out there.' What he did to go out there and win a platinum glove is remarkable. He cut down on his K percentage last year, and all of his other metrics are off the charts. I think [Fernando Tatis Jr. is] one of a few players that could push for an MVP award in the National League this year.”

— Ben Verlander, Analyst (MLB Network)

What’s next

The Padres will be closely monitoring Tatis' health and performance throughout the 2026 season as they hope he can regain his MVP-caliber form.

The takeaway

If Tatis can stay healthy and productive, he has the talent to be one of the best all-around players in baseball and contend for the NL MVP award. However, his career has been marked by injuries and off-field issues, so the Padres will need him to prove he can be a consistent contributor for a full season.