San Diego Padres Top 100 Prospects
Credit: EVT Sports
90- Rod Boykin Age: 23.4 OF
The slider continues to be a real issue for this young man, as he does not recognize the pitch well. The news is out on Boykin and his lack of plate discipline. He has struck out almost half his at bats this season between San Antonio and Lake Elsinore. He is an athletic fielder and has above average speed in the corner outfield position. The 23-year-old will really need to work hard to readjust his swing. He presently opens up far too much with his front side. He has shown some ability to hit to right, so it may just take time for him to adjust.
89- Jerry Keel– Age: 24.8 LHP
The durable left-handed pitcher has been a starting pitcher for his last three seasons in the Padres system, but he might eventually be used in relief. The 6-foot-6, Keel throws strikes and usually pitches to contact. He has made it all the way to El Paso, and has shown flashes there. Keel has upside and could be close to a major league promotion.
88- Dwanya Williams-Sutton Age: 21 OF/1B
This fifth round pick out of East Carolina has tremendous power. The right handed hitter has very good size and can easily drive balls over the fence with a right handed upper cut swing. He has some issues with the strikeout like most power hitters. He can play first base and the outfield and shows some athleticism. He is reportedly a great guy in the clubhouse who understands the game. He could develop with professional coaching.
87- Euribel Angeles- Age: 16.5 INF
This young man has a very quick bat and plus power. He reminds some of Javier Baez, as he has an aggressive approach at the plate from the right side. He can play all over the infield and has displayed a pretty decent arm. He is very young and very raw, but an excellent signing for the team this July in the international market. He will probably play in the DSL or the AZL next year to some degree. He is still very young.
86- Elliot Ashbeck Age: 24.6 RHP
Since recovering from Tommy John surgery, this young man has established himself in the back of the bullpen. He throws a low 90’s fastball that he can spot on both sides of the plate. He is currently in Lake Elsinore and performing well. Ashbeck will probably stick in the pen and could eventually be a high-leverage pitcher for the team.
85- Tre Carter Age: 21.4 OF
The left-handed hitter has issues with the strikeout and has yet to develop at the plate. He started the 2018 season in Fort Wayne, but had to be sent back after hitting under .200 in 31 games. The right handed thrower is a plus defender who looks like he will be able to stick in center. There is some upside here, but he is raw and surrounded by outfield prospects in the system.
84 Diomar Lopez Age: 21.5 RHP
Reports on this young man are that he is really starting to understand how to pitch. He has a low to mid 90’s fastball that he can ramp up to 96-97 when needed. He also has a solid curveball and a plus change. Lopez mixes timing very well and could really develop in the next 12 months. He is presently in Washington pitching for the Dust Devils and striking out batters at a 10.8 per nine innings rate.
83- Starlin Cordero Age: 20 RHP
This 6-foot-7 Dominican has one of the hardest fastballs on the Padres squad. He also has little control and fails to utilize his fastball as a dominating pitch. His secondary is also an issue, but the heater will keep him in the game for a long time. Cordero could be a player if he finds his mechanics. Keep a watchful eye on him.
82- Moises Lugo Age: 19.5 RHP
This Dominican right hander tore up the DSL in 2017 to the tune of a 1.97 ERA in 13 starts. He was promoted to Arizona this season where he has battled some nagging injuries and hasn’t looked well. He might need a year to get comfortable, but there is still a lot to like with his ability in the long run. There is upside with this young man if he can get healthy.
81- Reinaldo Ilarraza– Age: 19.5 INF
This switch-hitting infielder has some upside even though the team held him back in some degree in 2018. Ilarraza played in 126 games last year for the TinCaps, but started 2018 by hitting under .200 in the Midwest League. He was demoted to the AZL and the to Tri-City where he has continued to struggle with the bat. There is still time for him to figure it out, but the struggles are concerning to the team.
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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.
I feel sad about Austin Smith. I remember when he was regularly ranked in the top 30. Really hope he finds his control and grows in his abilities again!
I am in awe of what you of put together with this Chronicle of the Padres, Major and especially minor leagues. You’ve so increase my and my son’s knowledge of our team. I appreciate the other writers you bring in also. I’m going to print this massive collection of “the hundred” out to help follow their progress.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the comments.
Very entertaining list! Tucupita Marcano is obliterating the pitching he has faced; his slash line is borderline video-game-ish. I’m surprised to see him not ranked in the top 30…is this a function of his lack of power or a true infield position?
He is doing that at the AZL level. He is creeping up the list, but not a top 30 guy just yet.
James,I think it’s time to move Hudson Potts to SA ,he seems to be the only positional player trending up in the whole program these days.With Tatis out for the year the farm system seemed to lose it’s juice recently.Urias has been doing nothing so besides the pitchers to talk about its pretty boring these days on the farm.Your thoughts on Potts.
He is very close to being ready, but still has some issues with contact. He is still only 19 and the organization is wisely taking their time with him. Players like Tucupita Marcano and Xavier Edwards are trending upward in the AZL. There still are names to be excited about offensively.
This is very helpful. I am glad you enjoy putting this together, many of us enjoy it as well. It seems there are several pitchers in the midst of a TJ recovery (Cosme; etc), any chance of an article chronicling their progress?
James,why is River Stevens not on this list?He was an All Star before he got hurt and is getting most of the SS reps in Tatis absence.
He’s 26. Just missed the cut, actually. I preferred to put kids that were seven and eight years younger. The depth in the system is extraordinary. I couldn’t include everyone. Thanks for the comment.
Great work as always!
I’m really stoked that you included 2018 draft picks and International signings.
This is an excellent data base for Pads fans.
Thank you James!
Thank you for the support
I love these kind of exhaustive, reference articles. Good job. It would be interesting to know more about Mejia’s defensive issues, as apparently it was a deal breaker for Cleveland.
Thank you. The team is currently evaluating him in that regard.
James, I’m really worried about Anderson Espinoza. He was universally ranked number 1 two-years ago, and then Tommy John. Any reports on whether his velocity will come back, and how he’s progressing?
He is still working his way back. Has yet to really throw off a mound at full speed. Hopefully the velocity returns. His upside is tremendous.
Excellent piece James. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as always.
thank you