There’s absolutely no doubt that Fernando Tatis Jr is the biggest entertainer in Major League Baseball. He’s a treat to watch even if you’re not a baseball fan, and the San Diego Padres are well aware of that.
That’s why they signed him to a huge contract extension in the summer and that’s also why they’ve made him the cornerstone of their project. He’s got all-time great potential and is proving him right away.
As a matter of fact, the Dominican shortstop is on pace to break a record that’s stood around the league for nearly a century, even though he had to miss some time early in the season with an injury.
MLB News: Padres Star Fernando Tatis Jr On Pace To Break 90-Year-Old MLB Record
After getting his 13th stolen base against the New York Mets, Fernando Tatis Jr is now tied for the most stolen bases in the National League. He’s also tied with Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr for the most home runs in the National League (17).
While those numbers on their own are impressive but not historical, he could become the first player to lead either league in both stolen bases and home runs since Chuck Klein of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1932, nearly 90 years back in time.
The player that came in closer to break that record was Matt Kemp in 2011. He led the National League in home runs and was second in stolen bases, although he trailed the player in first place by 21 steals.
The most impressive part about these numbers is the fact that ‘El Niño’had to miss some time with injury. Otherwise, he’d be leading both categories and be on pace to become the first player with 50+ home runs and 50+ stolen bases in MLB history.