The San Diego Padres wisely recognized where the game was going and invested a significant amount of resources into fortifying their bullpen, but the Milwaukee Brewers did not win the World Series solely because their relievers were dominant. A balanced and disciplined lineup epitomizes Brew Crew ball. The Friars' offense picked it up in the second half of the campaign, but more depth is needed. A.J. Preller will explore options in free agency, and that could entail some in-house shuffling.

Fernando Tatis Jr. could reportedly move to second base in order to accommodate the potential arrival of an impactful outfielder. While the franchise deserves credit for thinking of ways to evolve, should a two-time Platinum Gold Glove-winning right fielder switch positions? The “Foul Territory” podcast is weighing in on the subject.

“Tatis will be above average at second base if he's playing there full time,” Scott Braun said on Friday. “He already looked pretty damn good in the times he's been there. {But} he's a weapon in right field. It's different. That's his best position.”

Kevin Pillar, who certainly understands the value of stellar outfield defense, believes that Tatis changes how base-runners approach the game just by his mere presence in right.

“One of Tatis' greatest skills is his freakin' arm, man,” he said. “It doesn't get to play as much at second base…. He's an actual threat in the outfield. “As a guy who hits and then becomes the base-runner, it's something you have to think about when you hit the ball to right field. There's a lot of times where you're like, ‘man, that should be a double but do I think about extending?'”

Fernando Tatis Jr. would be a quality second baseman, but he's a WEAPON in the outfield.

Why have him switch positions again? pic.twitter.com/vpWfzyyJKO

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 13, 2026

Fernando Tatis Jr. ranks in the 94th percentile in arm strength, per Baseball Savant. Like both Braun and Pillar implied, a team can gain a massive advantage if it can force opponents to adjust on the base-paths. Game-saving plays frequently begin in right, and this Dominican star has proven himself to be one of the best in that spot during his era. He is also comfortable there.

Article Continues Below

Tatis started out at shortstop before flourishing in the outfield. He still shifts back to the infield when needed — 53 games at second in 2026 — but the advanced metrics indicate that the 27-year-old is most effective when regularly camped in right.

The Padres cannot get complacent, though. The current roster alignment has not produced a championship or even a World Series appearance. If there is a difference-making bat in their grasp, say like a Seiya Suzuki, then perhaps the defensive sacrifice that comes with moving Tatis would be worth it.

San Diego should thoroughly consider all the scenarios before making a final decision, but the fact that a change is even on the table suggests that A.J. Preller is ready to go big this winter. What does that mean? Stand by.