Fernando Tatis’ $340M, 14-year deal finalized by Padres

PEORIA – Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $340 million, 14-year contract was finalized Monday by the San Diego Padres, the longest deal in baseball history.

“Fernando is a special talent who will be instrumental in bringing a world championship to the city of San Diego,” general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement. “Throughout the process, Fernando’s desire to stay here long term was clear, and we are thrilled that we were able to come to an agreement.”

Tatis, 22, had been eligible for salary arbitration after this season and for free agency after the 2024 season.

The length of his contract exceeded the $325 million, 13-year agreement in November 2014 between Miami and Giancarlo Stanton, who was traded to the New York Yankees in December 2017, and the $330 million, 13-year contract ahead of the 2019 season between Bruce Harper and Philadelphia.

Baseball’s biggest deal by dollars remains Mike Trout’s $426.5 million, 12year contract signed with the Angels in March 2019. Tatis’ deal is the third-largest, also trailing Mookie Betts’ $365 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that starts this season.

While Tatis’ contract is of record length, his $24.29 million average salary ranks 19th in baseball.