Are Rangers legitimate contenders for All-Star slugger if Padres decide to trade him this winter?

Like father, like son, right? Fernando Tatis Sr. started his major league career with the Texas Rangers in 1997. He was a part-time infielder and the team traded Tatis away the following season.

Now, rumors are swirling that his son, Fernando Tatis Jr., could be a nice fit in Arlington should the San Diego Padres elect to trade him and unload part of their backloaded cap sheet.

USA Today's baseball guru Bob Nightengale has the Rangers among a handful of teams that might make a play for the power-hitting right fielder.

Tatis Jr. would slide right into the right field position

There are going to be some tough decisions to be made as the Rangers organization ushers in the Skip Schumaker era, and it may mean parting with one or more of the heroes of the 2023 World Series-winning team to bring Tatis Jr. to Texas.

If Chris Young were to pursue the 3-time All-Star. It would likely include either bumping Adolis Garcia to the DH spot or making him part of the package sent to San Diego in exchange. Tatis Jr. is a superior hitter and is quickly adjusting to becoming a plus defensive every-day right-fielder after making the move from shortstop in 2024.

Garcia has been elite at the position since 2019, but Tatis is coming off his first Gold Glove award. He unquestionably has the athleticism and baseball IQ necessary to handle the move.

A trade for Tatis Jr. would give the Rangers a younger, elite outfield

Ideally, Young and the Ranger front-office envision an outfield that has Gold Glove nominee Wyatt Langford in left, Evan Carter in center, and if this trade is made, Tatis Jr. in right.

There is a boatload of upside in that trio that makes the idea of looking into acquiring Tatis Jr. very appetizing.

The 26-year-old Tatis signed a 14-year $340 million deal back in 2021, and it includes a no-trade clause. So, any deal would require him to waive that clause. It is a scenario to keep an eye on this winter as the Rangers attempt to rebound from back-to-back subpar seasons.