San Diego Padres Prospect Interview: Kash Mayfield
Credit: Phrake Photography
An interview with LHP Kash Mayfield as he prepares for his first full season in the minors for the Padres.
Some believe that the San Diego Padres farm system is weak right now.
It may not be a strong as season’s past, but there are plenty of prospects who could step up in 2025.
A.J. Preller and his staff are skilled at locating young players who pay immediate dividends. There will be fast risers within the organization this coming season. It will happen.
Of all the young pitchers, Kash Mayfield may rise faster than most think.
The 6-foot-4 pitcher was selected in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft and is described as a polished high school pitcher. The lefty went 9-0 last season with a 0.16 ERA in 44 innings for Elk City High School in Oklahoma. He struck out 115 in that time while only allowing four hits and walking eight batters.
To same he dominated is an understatement.
The 20-year-old Mayfield sits at 92-94 mph with his fastball but topped out at 96 mph in Peoria last summer. He throws a plus changeup and a slurvy breaking pitch that he changes speeds on really well. The southpaw has a great understanding of how to pitch and should carve through the lower minor league levels.
Mayfield should start in Lake Elsinore, though the team could elect for him to pitch in the Arizona Complex League first. Health and how he looks early in the spring will dictate where he starts the season. Those looking for a glimpse at a potential future Padres pitcher would be wise to head up the 15 freeway to Lake Elsinore. He will pitch there at some point.
Where he ends is anybody’s guess. In communicating with Mayfield, he is focused on rising through the system. That is his goal. Kash Mayfield is competitive and motivated. Exactly what you like to see from a young pitching prospect.
San Diego did well in drafting this young pitcher.
Here is an idea of how the conversation went with the Padres top pitching prospect- Kash Mayfield.
How excited were you to be drafted by the Padres? How cool was draft day?
“It was really exciting! Draft day was wild, and it was great to know I’d be joining such a great organization. Also, it was such a blessing to enjoy it with my family and friends.”
Have you had much interaction with Ruben Niebla?
“I haven’t had much interaction with him, but I look forward to getting to spend more time with him in the future.”
How excited are you to make your professional debut?
“It will be a dream come true, for sure! I’m eager to get started with spring training this season.”
Where does your motivation come from?
“My past motivation came from parents. They have always been so supportive of me, my abilities, and my goals to become a professional baseball player. As I’ve grown, my main motivation is to compete and continue to get better for the organization as I move forward.”
Errors happen on the field. Bad calls happen behind the plate. How do you calm yourself on the mound during these moments?
“Through the years I’ve experienced each of these moments, and growing up my dad and other coaches were always a great resource to gain a better understanding for it. That’s baseball…. step on the mound and continue to work for an out.”
What do you consider your biggest strength on the mound?
“My calm, stoic demeanor and being able to throw strikes.”
What do you need to work on most to get better?
“I believe, as a professional, I’ll begin fine tuning each of my pitches and continue to build and develop my body and my craft.”
You have very clean mechanics. Is that something you always worked on?
“With my mechanics- My dad actually worked with me on overall timing through my mechanics. All the way up through my freshman year of high school. He acknowledges that I had a lot of natural ability, so he focused mainly on timing from start to release. He would always say “free and easy” and to trust the process.”
Any pitching coaches help you along the way?
“I began working with Alex Marney at PitchingWRX in OKC through high school. I still train with him and his team during the offseason as well.”
What are your goals for 2025?
“My goals are to grow and learn through spring training, making all of my starts, and earn the chance to move up toward the end of season.”
Kash Mayfield just gets it. He throws strikes and displays a smooth delivery. The stuff is fantastic, but Mayfield has an idea how to get batters out with it. That, in itself, is more valuable than being categorized as a “thrower” on the mound. This southpaw will impress in 2025, and the sky is the limit.
Enjoy, San Diego. Enjoy.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the 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.
James, enjoyed your comments and interview with Kash Mayfield. His grandfather and attended high school together and as a 53-year veteran sports writer in Oklahoma, I got to see him in action during the playoffs and he does have the raw tools needed to make it to the bigs at some point. His demeanor is really an asset as he seldom gets rattled. Thanks for sharing your piece on Kash.
It was my pleasure. I found him very endearing, and I am excited for his future in baseball. Such a great young man. Thank you for your comments. I appreciate it.