A look at how the Padres’ top 30 prospects fared in Spring Training

Before the season got shut down, San Diego Padres fans got a small glimpse into the future as Spring Training rolled around the corner.

Seventeen of the MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 prospects packed their bags for Peoria to attend Spring Training and got to learn from San Diego’s major league coaches.

While many weren’t expected to make the big league roster, every single player received top-tier coaching that will help them grow and mature in the future.

Let’s take a look at how each prospect fared in Spring Training before it got canceled to the COVID-19 virus.

MacKenzie Gore (Prospect Ranking: 1) 

Spring Stats: 0-1, 1.2 IP, 2 BB, 2 K, 16.20 ERA

Much like Luis Patino, Gore came along slowly in Spring Training due to the Padres wishing to monitor his innings. As a result, the top-ranked prospect only pitched in 1.2 innings and surrendered three earned runs. Those numbers can be taken with a grain of salt, as all three of those runs came in his March 11 appearance against the Seattle Mariners, where he allowed three runs on two hits and two walks.

In his other spring appearance, the left-hander tossed a scoreless inning against the Mariners on March 5, pitching a perfect 1-2-3 inning.

Even with the small sample size, Gore was expected to make his Major League debut at some point during the season. Don’t let the spring stats fool you; this is an exceptional talent the Padres have in the farm system.

Luis Patino (Prospect Ranking: 3)

Spring Stats: 0-0, 2.0 IP, BB, 4 K, 13.50 ERA

Patino is in the same boat as his teammate and friend Gore. After soaking up all he could from major league coaching, the 20-year-old pitched in only two games during the Spring. He took some lumps in his first outing against the Royals but bounced back by allowing just an unearned run against the Seattle Mariners.

At 20 years old, Patino isn’t expected to become an ace right out of the gate. However, the trio of Gore, Patino, and Chris Paddack has the potential to become one of the most dangerous starting rotations in the majors.

Luis Campusano (Prospect Ranking: 4)

Spring Stats: .250/.250/.250

Campusano got invited to Spring Training but saw little time on the field, logging just four at-bats in two games played. However, his presence at camp served as a reminder to Austin Hedges and Francisco Mejia; perform, or step aside.

The former second-rounder certainly earned his invitation after being named the 2019 California League co-MVP. The 2019 season saw him collect a .905 OPS while swatting 15 home runs.

He also shows an advance approach at the plate, amassing almost as many walks (52) as he did strikeouts (57).

After getting sent back down to Minor League camp, Campusano will likely begin his next season with Double-A Amarillo but will be nipping at the heels of Hedges and Mejia sooner rather than later.

Taylor Trammell (Prospect Ranking: 5)

Spring Stats: .391/.440/.609, 4 2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 5 R

The Padres were so impressed by Trammell’s performance that, instead of sending him down to Minor League camp, they kept him through the initial round of roster cuts.

What was not to like? After a scorching hot postseason with Amarillo, Trammell got right back to work in Peoria with an OPS of 1.049 in 23 at-bats. After struggling as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, his success at major league camp is a step forward in his development.

His glove hasn’t dragged behind his bat either as the 35th overall pick of the 2016 MLB Draft showcased the skills needed to patrol center field for years to come.

His positive attitude has made him popular with teammates and fans alike. Whether he stays in Double-A or makes the jump to Triple-A is up to the Padres front brass.

Adrian Morejon (Prospect Ranking: 6)

Spring Stats: 0-2, 2.1 IP, 5 BB, 3 K, 38.57 ERA 

Despite making his Major League debut, MLB Pipeline still lists Morejon as a Top 10 prospect in the Padres system, which is understandable since the left-hander threw only eight innings in the bigs.

Morejon struggled in those eight innings as he maintained a 10.13 ERA, but a 3.71 FIP painted a much better picture.

His struggles continued in Spring Training. Morejon got rocked in the three games he appeared in and didn’t appear to help his case for making the major league roster.

Often the subject of trade rumors, it is highly unlikely that Morejon will begin his season in San Diego. He will either suit up for Triple-A El Paso or another team in the future.

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Jason Freund

I am currently attending San Diego State University while working on achieving a major in journalism. At SDSU, I write for The Daily Aztec while also hosting the sports radio show “Picked Off”, for KCR Radio. A loyal fan of San Diego sports, I hope to bring content that you will enjoy reading.