Four years ago, when about 60 Padres minor leaguers filled the home clubhouse at Petco Park to partake in the organization’s first minor league showcase, Fernando Tatis Jr. wasn’t an elite prospect and he certainly wasn’t the shortstop of the future.
Not yet anyway.
He was a 16-year-old kid and an organizational gamble, one worth the range of $27 million and $31 million left on James Shields’ then-franchise record contract.
The moral of the story: You never know what the future holds.
The Padres will host their fourth annual prospect showcase tonight at Petco Park, a literal glimpse into the organization’s future.