Fernando Tatis Jr. was living the dream. He was traded to the San Diego Padres when he was just 17. And he made it into the big leagues quite swiftly in 2019, and in 2021, the Padres gave him a mind-boggling contract. It was a 14-year, $340 million deal, and the fans were more than hyped. He was known as that generational talent of baseball that everyone was looking forward to. But then 2022 rolled around.

Instead of Tatis Jr.’s rise to glory, it was a fall. And no, he didn’t injure himself; he got sidelined by a PED scandal. He tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance. Later, he even explained that it was a mistake and just the medication for a ringworm. He even apologized, saying he was “devastated” and wanted to improve. But it was too late, and his pristine image was scarred. He served his time, and 2024 turned out to be a good season for him. But things are still not the same.

Chris Rose was questioned about what baseball fans feel about Fernando Tatis Jr. after that PED fiasco. And, well, Rose said, “I know all the young kids still love him.” He added that those kids know Tatis Jr. got busted for PEDs, but they don’t care. And it’s true, Tatis Jr. has that magnetic pull, especially on the younger crowd. Who can blame them? He has done things on the field that are straight out of a movie. Whether it’s gravity-defying dodges or bold sprints on infield pop-ups – he just has that star swagger!

But Rose highlighted that not everyone views Tatis Jr. the same way now, “Most people that aren’t in San Diego look at him and think, ‘I don’t know, man, it seems like he cheated.” He also mentioned that while Fernando Tatis Jr.‘s talent is undeniable, he still can’t shake off that PED stigma. The reason is that Tatis couldn’t reach his pre-suspension numbers yet. But to be fair, he had a good season this year.

Fernando Tatis Jr. had a .276 batting average, 21 home runs, and 49 RBIs. Plus, a great postseason where he hit .423 with four home runs. However, the reality is the stain from 2022 still lingers, as most can make out of Chris Rose’s statements. Tatis might always be known as the ‘guy who cheated’. It’s a label that even baseball greats like Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez still tag along to this day. Trust, as they say, once lost, is impossible to regain 100%. But what about his personal space?

Tatis Jr. brings in 26 with his family

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a major milestone—he just turned 26! And to celebrate, he didn’t go for a fancy shindig but instead opted for a cozy celebration with his family and close friends. Tatis’ mom and his younger brother, Elijah, all joined in the fun times. And Maria, Tati’s mother, took to Instagram to share a heartful video of her son blowing out the candles, penning a lovely message.

Maria wrote, “Happy birthday to the flacuss of the Tatis family. My baby, my big louse, I thank God for your life in our lives. We love you, and we continue to pray and believe that everything designed in heaven becomes visible and tangible on earth so that each year that Dad God allows you to fulfill is under his supreme will.” She assured Tatis Jr. that he is a miracle of God and has an assignment to fulfill in this world while hoping to celebrate like this for many more years together.

There were also pictures of Fernando Tatis Jr. taking selfies with his mom and brother, with a snap of him showing a photograph to his father. Well, Tatis Sr. is no stranger to the MLB world. He enjoyed an 11-year career in MLB and played for five teams. When Tatis Jr. was born on January 2, 1999, he was playing at the St. Louis Cardinals.

Well, bringing in a new year with family is all that matters. The outside world might chatter, but Tatis Jr. seems to be only focused on doing better every year with the San Diego Padres.

What do you think of his fiasco? Tell us in the comments below.