MLB Generation Next (Part 3)

Fernando Tatis Jr.

Club:  San Diego Padres

Position: Shortstop

Age: 22

Verdict: Hold

Along with Acuna Jr. and Soto, Tatis Jr. is often mentioned at the top of lists of the next generation of baseball superstars.  In just 230 Major League games, Tatis Jr. has hit 69 home runs and amassed a wins above replacement total of 12.  He will probably be the National League MVP this year.  Tatis Jr. could stand to work on his defense and tends to get injured, but these are minor flaws that are vastly outweighed by the excitement he brings on the basepaths and at the plate.  I think he is a player to buy and hold for the next 10 years.  

Currently, Tatis Jr.’s 2019 Topps Chrome in PSA 9 costs $130 and his 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects (pictured) in PSA 9 costs $250.  If these amounts exceed your budget, keep in mind that the Padres are projected to be in the National League wildcard game.  This makes a 2021 San Diego World Series run unlikely.  One possible strategy is to buy Tatis Jr. cards at a discount immediately after the Padres exit the playoffs.  This is what I am planning to do.

How about you?  Are there young baseball players that you are excited about collecting?  I would love to hear from you.  Please leave your comments in the section below.

Dan is married, has a daughter and son, and spends most of his days engaged in financial compliance activities for an insurance company.  He has been known to overuse caffeine and has been collecting and trading sports memorabilia since 1985.