Many fans and analysts entered the 2025 MLB season expecting big performances from stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. However, those expectations didn’t fully materialize as some of the most hyped players underperformed. That shift opened the door for a new standout to capture the spotlight. And according to Juan Soto, the best player in baseball right now isn’t one of the usual suspects—it’s Fernando Tatis Jr.
The San Diego Padres’ dynamic star, nicknamed “El Niño,” has been making waves this season. Not only has Tatis been praised for his impressive numbers, but he’s also received high praise from several top-tier players. Juan Soto recently spoke with Abriendo Sports, stating, “For me, right now, there’s no one more complete than Tatis Jr.” His admiration isn’t based solely on current performance, but also from the time they spent as teammates. Soto emphasized that Tatis excels in every part of the game—not just at an average level, but at an elite one. He specifically mentioned Tatis’s power, defensive ability, speed, and strong throwing arm.
Tatis’s numbers back up the praise. He’s currently hitting .317 with a .387 on-base percentage, a .556 slugging rate, and a .943 OPS. He’s already racked up 8 home runs, 18 RBIs, 7 stolen bases, and holds a 1.7 fWAR—placing him among the league’s top five players. His strong start has played a key role in the Padres’ 23-11 record.
Even with Aaron Judge also posting incredible stats—such as a .414 average, 11 home runs, 33 RBIs, and a 1.263 OPS—Soto’s opinion remains unchanged, likely influenced by his personal connection with Tatis.
And it’s not just Soto who’s voicing this sentiment. Manny Machado, Tatis’s current teammate, shares the same view. He said, “What that guy does on the field is out of this world. He runs, fields, hits with power, gives it his all, and plays with joy.” Machado emphasized Tatis’s ability to impact clutch moments and change the course of a game.
Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians also weighed in, noting that Tatis has everything—talent, energy, and love for the game. “You watch him play, and it makes you want to turn on the TV every day. He’s a show,” Ramirez said.
Tatis continues to impress both at the plate and in the field. Just recently, he helped secure a 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. With the game tied in the 9th inning, Tatis hit a sharp ground ball down the third base line, turned it into a double with his hustle, advanced to third, and then stole the base—his 100th career stolen base. That milestone puts him in the elite 100 home run/100 stolen base club, a rare feat for any MLB player.
His game-winning homer in the same match sealed the deal for the Padres. Tatis has also improved his batting approach this year, saying in an interview that he’s focused on growth and taking things one step at a time. With five months of the season still to go, he’s determined to keep evolving.
If he continues at this level, there’s a strong case that the praise from Soto, Machado, and Ramirez isn’t just hype—it might just be the truth.