San Diego Padres Top 100 Prospects
Credit: EVT Sports
50- Dylan Coleman Age: 21.7 RHP
This right handed pitcher could be a steal for the team. He has a very nice fastball that tops out at around 98 mph. He is capable of throwing a decent slider, but lacks consistency with his mechanics. The lack of overall command has troubled this young pitcher throughout his pitching career, but professional help may assist him. He is a big body (6-foot-6) and has proven to be durable. Coleman looks to probably be a decent relief option for the team eventually.
49- Brad Wieck Age: 26.7 LHP
At 6-foot-9, Brad Wieck is really imposing on the mound. He throws his fastball in the mid to upper 90’s and has a bit of a funky delivery to the plate. He is not a fun at bat for opposing batters, but has struggled from time to time with mechanics and pounding the zone. The Padres want him to attack hitters, but repeating his delivery with his frame is a difficult task. He is in line to be in the group of next relievers called up when needed. Wieck is on the 40-man and should be in San Diego relatively soon.
48- Javy Guerra Age: 22.7 SS
Once regarded as the shortstop of the future, the talented Guerra has slowly slipped away from overall plans. He is very capable with the glove and still shows occasional power from the left side of the plate. The power is useful, but the real issue with Guerra continues to be contact. He struggles to have consistent at bats and practically gives them away on a daily basis. At 22, there is still hope for him, but he needs to really advance with the bat to just be serviceable.
47- Angel Solarte Age: 17.3 OF
Speedy outfielder Angel Solarte has shown an ability to barrel up baseballs early in his professional career. The right handed hitter from Venezuela has very good speed and tracks balls well in the gaps. He is presently in the AZL where he has played really well given that he is 17. Solarte presently has decent pop for his size. In time, he could rise on this list.
46- Ronald Bolanos Age: 21.9 RHP
This Cuban pitcher is always lost behind his fellow countrymen Michel Baez and Adrian Morejon. He was signed out of that same international market (2016) as the other two Cubans in fact. Bolanos is an aggressive pitcher who enjoys attacking hitters with his low to mid 90’s fastball (tops out 96-96) and hard breaking slider. Bolanos has been throwing a slow curve recently which sits in the mid 60’s. It is a huge change of pace from his fastball, but he has issues showing the pitch to hitters with his motion. He also tosses up a change that has reportedly gotten better. He should remain in the rotation mix as long as he can further cultivate that third pitch. Bolanos is athletic and has proven to be a workhorse early in his professional career.
45- Luis Almanzar Age: 18.6 INF
The Padres gave him $4-million dollars in 2016 as he was regarded as one of the best offensive players coming out of the Dominican Republic that year. Almanzar has been slow to progress with the bat as he continually struggles to make contact. The hit tool is supposed to be above average, so the team will remain patient with the right handed hitter. There are questions about his fielding too at short. He was moved to second and third base in recent games to test his glove there.
44- Mason House Age: 19.7 OF
Drafted in 2017 out of a Texas high school was this talented young outfielder. He has a great swing, in which he generates plus bat speed. The wiry, left-handed hitter has had issues making contact and is working on that issue. Pitch recognition and timing are key for his development. Defensively, he has the skills to stick in center, but could be moved to a corner spot in time (especially if he fills out). In reality House is still learning the game of baseball and may take some time to develop. It also could click at any time, as he has a very nice ceiling.
43- Pedro Avila Age: 21.5 RHP
Avila was acquired from the Washington Nationals for Derek Norris in late 2016. This short in stature pitcher has an excellent curve which he uses very effectively. He gets plenty of swings and misses on the pitch, but will need to continue the development of his change to make it to the next level and beyond. His fastball sits in the low 90’s and has occasional control lapses with it, but Avila has a decent future. He should stick in the rotation, but has been used out of the pen on occasion too.
42- Michael Gettys Age: 22.7 OF
There is so much to like about Gettys, as he has a rocket arm and easy power to all fields. The ball completely jumps off his bat and he uses amazing speed to track fly balls deep into the outfield’ alleys. Michael Gettys has all the tools to be an all-star, but he struggles to make contact. He has shown better appearances at the plate this season in San Antonio so there is some hope for him. Ultimately, the amount of contact he makes with the ball will determine how far he goes in the game.
41- Eguy Rosario Age: 18.7 3B/2B
The stocky right handed hitter is a pull hitter. Sometimes to a fault. He has a very quick bat, but does have issues with the slider off the plate. There us plenty to like though, as he plays the game with an edge. Rosario can play second or third and is pretty consistent at both positions where he shows pretty decent hands. The teenager has some upside to him as he has already played at the Double-A level this year. He could sneak up this list.
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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