Fernando Tatis Jr. fuels offseason workout with coconut water hydration
Fernando Tatis Jr. is setting himself up for a big year in 2025. Tatis Jr.'s San Diego Padres almost knocked off eventual World Series champions LA Dodgers in the NLDS round. Taking a 2-1 lead, the Padres pushed the Dodgers to the brink of elimination before the Men in Blue rallied back with shutout victories in Game 4 and 5.
Tatis is a key piece for the Padres even though, in the last few seasons due to suspensions and persistent injury issues, he hasn't been available throughout for the club.
On Sunday, the shortstop-turned-outfielder shared a photo of his workout session during the offseason. The image shows a gym environment with workout equipment such as dumbbells, squat racks and cardio machines.
The caption says:
"Agüita de coco pa' hydration, se trabaja el domingo". Translation: "Coconut water for hydration, we work on Sundays".
This suggests that even on Sunday — a typical rest day — Fernando Tatis Jr. remains dedicated to his training and focuses on hydration with coconut water, considered a natural electrolyte source.
AJ Preller dismisses rumors of Fernando Tatis Jr. heading back to shortstop
The San Diego Padres have a big problem filling one spot in the infield, shortstop. This comes despite the club having three former shortstops. Jackson Merrill, a shortstop prospect, was made an outfielder in his rookie season. Fernando Tatis Jr. was moved to the outfield after the Padres signed Xander Bogaerts who was later shifted to second base.
Ha-Seong Kim was named the starting shortstop in 2024 but a labrum injury cut his season short. With him now a free agent, the position needs addressing this offseason.
Amid this, rumors circulated about the possibility of Tatis heading back to his former position in 2025. However, Padres GM AJ Preller dismissed the notion at the MLB GM Winter Meetings.
"Tatis has the ability to do a lot of things on the field, but ultimately, he's a Platinum Glove outfielder, and that's probably where he'll stay for a while," the GM said.
In case, the Padres are unable to land a shortstop this offseason, Bogaerts might have to cover the position like he did for injured Kim in 2024.