When a player performs at an MVP-level in a given season, one would expect him to play the next year: it’s evident that our hypothetical MLB star still has what it takes to be well-above average at the very least.
However, unexpected things happen sometimes: just ask San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr.
“With his suspension, Fernando Tatis Jr. becomes the third player since the end of World War II to finish in the top three in MVP voting and then miss the next season. The others: Moises Alou (1998-99, torn ACL) Sandy Koufax (1966-67, retirement),” MLB.com’s Joe Trezza tweeted.
With his suspension, Fernando Tatis Jr. becomes the third player since the end of World War II to finish in the top three in MVP voting and then miss the next season.
The others:
Moises Alou (1998-99, torn ACL)Sandy Koufax (1966-67, retirement).
— Joe Trezza (@JoeTrezz) August 13, 2022
The funny thing is that the three players missed (in Tatis’ case, will have missed) the following season for different reasons.
The great Moises Alou couldn’t play in 1999 due to injury.
Sandy Koufax, one of the best pitchers in the history of the game, retired after a fantastic 1966 campaign.
Tatis Won’t Play At All In 2022
Tatis will miss the whole 2022 season: a little over half of it was lost because of his wrist injury, one that took longer than anticipated to heal.
The other portion will be lost because of his suspension for taking performance-enhancing drugs, revealed last week.
The star shortstop, who signed a mammoth 13-year deal last year, hit .282 with 99 runs, 42 homers, 97 RBI, 25 steals and a .975 OPS in 2021 in just 130 games.
He was involved in a motorcycle accident in the offseason in which he fractured his wrist; and then was found to have taken Clostebol, a banned substance, and was slapped with an 80-game suspension.
The suspension will cover the remainder of the 2022 campaign and will carry on for 42 games into 2023.
The entire baseball universe expressed disappointment upon hearing Tatis’ news; as baseball won’t have one of its stars for several more months.
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