(Photo credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images)

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. struck out in court and must give Big League Advance about $3.74 million in back pay as a result of his future earnings agreement with the group.

Tatis signed a future earnings contract with Big League Advance (BLA) in 2017 and received $2 million from the firm in exchange for 10% of all future major league earnings. Tatis, who was 18 when he signed the deal, had previously praised BLA by saying the up-front cash allowed him to hire a personal trainer and make other important changes that early in his career.

However, Tatis stopped making payments in 2024, prompting BLA to begin an arbitration process seeking money it was owed. Tatis accused BLA of luring him into what amounted to an illegal loan and sued the firm in June 2025.

'Defendants have built a business model that preys on young, financially unsophisticated athletes, offering lump-sum advances in exchange for significant portions of their future earnings,' the lawsuit said in part.

An arbitrator sided with BLA last fall, saying Tatis must pay the full award of $3.74 million, the amount Tatis owed after ceasing payments.

Then Tatis petitioned the San Diego County circuit court for a ruling, but California state judge Judy S. Bae ruled Friday that Tatis' petition needed to be filed before arbitration began in order to be considered.

While Bae said Tatis had waived a right to judicial review of his case, Tatis' attorney told Front Office Sports that he'll likely appeal.

'The court made significant findings against BLA, and the only thing they prevailed on was timeliness of the challenge,' Mitts told the outlet, citing the judge's ruling that BLA can be considered a lender, and that California has jurisdiction so its laws apply to the case. 'That is something which we are very likely to appeal, and we feel strongly we have a very good chance.'

Tatis signed a 14-year contract worth $340 million with the Padres in 2021 when he was seen as one of the brightest young prospects in baseball. That means he ultimately owes $34 million to BLA as part of the deal.

Tatis, now 27, is a three-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove and Platinum Glove winner and two-time Silver Slugger honoree. In 722 career games over seven seasons played entirely for the Padres, Tatis has batted .275 with 152 home runs, 409 RBIs and 136 stolen bases. He missed the full 2022 season due to a wrist fracture combined with an 80-game suspension for a banned substance.

--Field Level Media