Fernando Tatis Jr. hijacks A.J. Preller interview to launch Adrian Morejon contract campaign

Upon celebrating the San Diego Padres' 2026 postseason berth on Thursday night, Fernando Tatis Jr. did a little more than just bask in the team's glory. He applied pressure to the front office.

Following the 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Friars danced and shouted in Hollywood in the clubhouse. President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller was in the mix, fielding interviews with a smile as his club is postseason-bound for a third straight season.

Then Tatis Jr. joined Preller, and told him to re-sign Adrian Morejon, who stood next to the franchise's superstar.

"He can't leave me," Tatis Jr. said to Preller while holding a cigar and a beer.

Morejon, who is a free agent this offseason, has been one of the Padres' most productive players over the last few years. He's a huge reason why San Diego has the best bullpen in the majors. There was no doubt that the Padres appreciate what he offers, but Tatis Jr.'s public gesture tells us that Morejon must stay.

It's hard to argue against Fernando Tatis Jr.'s suggestion for Padres to re-sign Adrian Morejon

There is no doubt that Morejon will cost more than the average reliever in his upcoming free agency. He's a hard-throwing left-hander with several years remaining in his prime. Just look at how Robert Suarez did in his negotiations last year. He's making $45 million over three years, and he is seven years older than Morejon.

So, Preller is probably going to have to reach deep into his pockets to keep Morejon. But that's not a bad thing. Part of the Padres' identity has been their elite bullpen. Morejon is right up there with Mason Miller in terms of dominance and consistency. He's won 22 games over the last two years and ranks in the 98th or 99th percentile in five major pitching metrics. How can you not consider keeping someone like that around?

The Padres are under new ownership. Preller has shown that he isn't afraid to pay for a contending roster. It would make sense to keep Morejon in San Diego. Hats off to Tatis Jr. for having the awareness to put the front office on the spot during a major celebration.

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