'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Fernando Tatis Jr. enjoyed a strong season for the San Diego Padres. The Dominican helped the Friars make the playoffs, ending the regular season with a .268 batting average, 25 home runs and 71 RBIs, while also playing excellent defense in right field.
Despite being one of his team's most influential players, Tatis may be traded this winter, as the Padres navigate a potential change in ownership. A number of franchises are reportedly interested in acquiring the three-time All-Star, one of them being the New York Mets.
However, Marc Luino explained on Wednesday's episode of the "Mets'd Up Podcast" that bringing in Tatis may remain a pipe dream for Mets fans.
"If Fernando Tatis Jr. is available, that's my number one guy," Luino said. (15:53) "That's who I want the Mets to bring in. I like him more than Kyle Tucker, especially with the fit on this team. But (he's) probably not available.
Trending
"Like you said, (Padres GM) A.J. Preller seems to be the real X-factor here, until he's gone, I don't think there's ever a world he's selling like that."
The Mets' cross-city rivals are also reportedly interested in trading for Fernando Tatis Jr.
Along with the Mets, the New York Yankees are also reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Fernando Tatis Jr. this winter. Broadcaster Michael Kay weighed in on the matter during the Nov. 21 episode of "The Michael Kay Show."
"This type of player would play huge in New York,"Kay said. "He'd be unbelievable. He'd be a huge star. I know he's had his PED problems. And if he gets banged again for a PED problem, you're kind of out of contract, aren't you?
"Now, you can say, 'Well, we're giving up a lot of people, and we're one bad test away from maybe being out of contract.' You can take that chance because he's excelled since being banged on the PED charge."
With Cody Bellinger opting out of the remainder of his contract to try his luck on the open market, shoring up the outfield is high on the Yankees' to-do list this offseason, and Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the best in the business in that regard.
