When Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance, it drew plenty of harsh commentary from fans and insiders alike. That criticism continued even after his return. Yet, he managed to earn his first Gold Glove and made All-Star appearances in the following years. And this season, he’s been performing at his superstar caliber. Batting .267 with 156 hits across 152 games, the Padres star crushed his 150th career home run on Sunday afternoon.

In the third inning of the Padres’ 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox, Tatis Jr. hit his 23rd home run of the season. It marked his 150th career homer, and let’s just say it was perfectly timed. His hit was a response to a very pointed heckle from a White Sox fan.

Seconds before Tatis Jr.’s swing, a fan from the stands shouted, “Fernando, I got a syringe for ya,” mocking his past PED suspension.

The heckler’s remark was loud enough to reach every corner of Rate Field. But Tatis Jr.’s well-timed swing did the rest. It put the Padres up 3-0 and served as a fitting clapback to the white Sox heckler.

This isn’t the first time Tatis Jr. has given a fitting response to hecklers in Chicago, though.

In 2023, when the Padres went up against the Chicago Cubs, Padres outfielder was rained with “he’s on steroids” chants. While they were heckling at Wrigley Field, Tatis Jr. was seen dancing in the outfield in the name of responding to the heckles. It was the same month when Tatis returned to the majors after the suspension for violating MLB’s PED policy.

Back then, even insider Jon Heyman blasted Tatis brutally. “Fernando Tatis Jr. has turned out to be a fool who thinks everyone else is just as big a fool,” he had said right after the news broke.

Coming to the present day, the entire controversy is behind him. Plus, on the brighter side, Tatis Jr. has been playing right field at a championship level lately. And as it seems, a big feat is on its way.

MLB’s Gold Glove buzz around Padres outfielder

Following Sunday’s win over the White Sox, the Padres’ star outfielder is currently batting. 267 with 23 home runs, 66 RBIs, and .805 OPS. And recently, MLB.com’s Jared Greenspan and Jason Foster picked Fernando Tatis Jr. as a 2025 Gold Glove favorite.

He’s undoubtedly an elite outfielder in terms of both range and arm strength. Most importantly, he makes plays. Being a Gold Glove favorite is well deserved for Tatis Jr. because his bat made him a star a few years ago when he used to play shortstop. And now, his defense is making a strong case.

The way he stops doubles with elite speed and throws out runners with perfect one-hop throws is unmatched.

So, Tatis Jr. doesn’t necessarily require a two-homer night to bend a game in San Diego’s favor. Padres fans have watched his evolution in real time. He is incredibly impactful in games even when he’s 0-for-4, largely because his defense and baserunning travel every single night.

Runners fear balls hit to right field. That’s because they know Tatis Jr.’s throw might beat them. In fact, even opposing managers fear using pinch-runners against him.

After his Sunday homer, the San Diego Padres are now two wins away from confirming their second consecutive playoff appearance. A payback that’s going stronger than any mockery…