Padres Linked to Four Prospects on New Top 30 International List
Credit: JDB
MLB Pipeline released their top-30 international players, and the San Diego Padres are presently linked to four young men. Here is a brief look at each player and what they bring to the table.
The rich are about to get richer, as the San Diego Padres are penalty free on the international market and able to sign young talent this July 2. With the #6 overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft in addition to all the young international talent, the Padres #1 ranked farm system will only get stronger in the next two months.
This is a scary thing for the rest of major league baseball.
Chris Kemp has been busy over the past few months as he searches for players. The Padres international scouting director has been instrumental in some of the young players that are currently making their way to the major leagues. He has known these men since they were teenagers and deserves recognition for his efforts.
The Padres are linked to four men on the MLB Pipeline list, from three different countries. Their quest for young talent has no boundaries.
Here is a look at the four potential new Padres prospects.
#15 Ismael Mena (Outfielder) L/L Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
6′ 3″-185 lbs (Age 16) 11/30/2002
Mena has drawn comparisons to Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco for his wiry frame and elite speed. He has the potential to play center field and will likely be a top of the order type of player when it is all said and done. He reportedly has a high baseball IQ and could be a fast riser in the system. He is still only 16 and will likely not make his debut in Arizona for another season or two. If signed, Mena could play some games in the DSL this summer.
#19 Brayan Medina (RHP) R/R Valencia, Venezuela
6′ 2″- 180 lbs (Age 16) 10/06/2002
The Padres are linked to the top pitching prospect from Venezuela. Medina has a very nice fastball, topping out at 97 mph. He gets great sink on the pitch and has terrific size for a 16-year-old. The right-handed pitcher also has a decent slider and changeup. He has good mechanics and is categorized as a pitcher who likes to attack hitters. There is a nice upside with this pitcher who could start in the DSL this summer. That is if he signs with the Padres.
#22 Reginald Preciado (SS) S/R Cuiriqui, Panama
6′ 4″- 180 lbs (Age 15) (05/16/2003)
Preciado has terrific size and impressive range at shortstop. The switch-hitting infielder is considered the best prospect from the country of Panama. In the video below you see an example of how well he plays defense. He also shows a plus bat from both sides of the plate. The Padres have plenty of shortstop prospects in their system, but the tools are off the charts with this young man. It may be possible that most teams didn’t take the time to scout him in Panama.
#29 Luis Gutierez (LHP) L/L Cabimas, Venezuela
5′ 11″- 170 lbs (Age 15) 07/31/2003
Luis Gutierez does not have great size, but he is a strike thrower with great motion and delivery. The left-handed pitcher has a change and a curve in which he adds to his fastball which sits in the 87-90 mph range. At 15, there is still time for him to add speed to his heater. The Padres are impressed with his command as they consider signing the pitcher on July 2.
A.J. Preller is undoubtedly doing his homework this time of the year. Tons of young players will be added to the franchise in the next two months. Keep an eye on the Padres as they restock their farm system with talent.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.
Could you do a piece on the amateur draft also. I’m really intrigued by Alek Manoah and growth he has made over the last 2 seasons.
Lamet is easy to make room for we can just shuffle pitchers around like we have been doing all season. Jankwoski might just spend more time in the minor gettting healthy until one of our OF gets hurt. Jacob Nix and Franchy I’m pretty sure will be gone for the year. No problem this year!
The Padres are facing some decisions in the near future. They have 7 players on the 60 day DL with only Richards out for the year. They have been placing players on that DL to allow them to bring new players onto the 40 man roster.
Some of the guys on the 60 day DL should be coming off by All Star time. Lamet. Jankowski. Probably a few others.
What will the Pads do? Somebody has to be traded. I don’t see any DFA candidates.