Fernando Tatis Jr: A Case Study in Successful Athlete Income-Sharing Deals

Fernando Tatís Jr. is one of the most electric talents Major League Baseball has seen in a generation, but his journey to superstardom isn’t just about what he’s done on the field. Long before he signed his $340 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres, Tatís made a bold financial decision that would shape his future in unexpected ways. He entered into an income-sharing agreement with Big League Advance (BLA), a little-known but game-changing sports investment company. That choice laid the groundwork for a transformation: from up-and-coming athlete to savvy businessman and committed philanthropist.

The Risk That Paid Off: The Big League Advance Deal

In 2017, when Tatís was still a minor leaguer grinding away in baseball’s farm system, he accepted a deal from Big League Advance. BLA offered players upfront cash in exchange for a fixed percentage of future MLB earnings. The company, founded by former MLB pitcher Michael Schwimer, was designed to help minor leaguers who often earn poverty-level wages and face uncertain futures.

Tatís’s deal reportedly gave him a six-figure sum in exchange for up to 10% of future earnings. At the time, it was a gamble—he had yet to play a single MLB game. But in 2021, when Tatís inked a record-shattering 14-year, $340 million extension with the Padres, BLA’s cut—an estimated $30 million to $35 million—became one of the most high-profile payouts in the company’s short history.

While some saw the payout as steep, Tatís had no regrets. In fact, he credited the deal with giving him and his family the freedom to live comfortably and plan for the future when he was still fighting for a shot in the big leagues.

Leveraging Financial Security for Business Growth

That early financial cushion—and his blockbuster contract—gave Tatís the capital and confidence to make bold moves in the business world.

He quickly became one of the most marketable athletes in baseball. Brand endorsements came from giants like:

• Gatorade – Featuring him in high-energy campaigns.

• Hyperice – Aligning with his focus on athletic recovery and performance.

• Mizuno – Supplying his gloves and gear.

• Corona USA – Pairing him with a premium lifestyle image rooted in Latin culture.

But Tatís didn’t stop at sponsorships. In 2024, he teamed up with The Shoe Surgeon, a renowned custom sneaker designer, to launch 50 pairs of bespoke cleats, each one honoring a cultural or sports icon like Tony Gwynn and Stephen Curry. The project, executed through his branding company Xample, blurred the lines between fashion, athletics, and street culture.

In 2025, Tatís joined Rimas Sports, a sports management agency co-founded by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. The move wasn’t just about management—it signaled a deepening of his business brand and lifestyle vision. Through Rimas, Tatís is developing content, merchandise, and social impact initiatives that tap into Latinx identity, urban youth culture, and the intersection of sport and music.

Philanthropy: Giving Back with Purpose

Tatís’s business ventures are matched by a genuine commitment to philanthropy, especially in his home country, the Dominican Republic.

Growing up in San Pedro de Macorís, he experienced firsthand the limited opportunities available to many talented young athletes. With financial backing and a growing platform, he has taken tangible steps to change that. His foundation and affiliated programs support:

• Youth baseball training in underserved communities.

• Education and housing initiatives for low-income families.

• Scholarship programs that help young athletes from the Caribbean attend schools and play sports in the U.S.

He has also supported initiatives like:

• Impact the Dream – Focused on empowering underserved youth through sports and mentorship.

• Challenged Athletes Foundation – He directed proceeds from a limited-edition eyewear collaboration to support adaptive athletes.

Tatís often speaks about how wealth and success have a purpose beyond luxury. “If I’m not helping build something for the next kid like me, what’s the point?” he once said in an interview.

The Blueprint: Risk, Vision, and Reinvention

Tatís’s path from minor leaguer to one of the game’s brightest stars is filled with sharp turns, high risks, and bold moves. By accepting the BLA deal, he bet on himself early. He turned that bet into generational wealth—and used it not to rest, but to build. He built businesses that reflect his passion for culture, he built partnerships that transcend baseball, and he built a philanthropic platform that echoes his roots.

He is no longer just a shortstop or an outfielder—he’s a brand architect, a cultural ambassador, and a visionary with the swagger to match his stats.

Conclusion

Fernando Tatís Jr. is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete. In an era where players are more than their stats, Tatís has turned early financial foresight into a portfolio of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and social good. Whether it’s on the diamond, in the boardroom, or back in his hometown, he is playing the long game—and winning.