San Diego Padres Top 100 Prospects
Credit: EVT Sports
20- Gabriel Arias Age: 18.4 SS
Defensively, Arias is one of the best in all of the minors. Or at least that is what the reports state. Arias has committed 23 errors this season so far. The Venezuelan hitter has gotten into a bad funk with the bat, as he continually tries to drive the ball instead of concentrating on a making solid contact. The right handed batter has plus power and most need to remember his age when trying to evaluate his overall ability. Arias’ body and demeanor suggest that he could all of sudden take that next step. If he can figure out his offensive shortcomings, he has star potential. There is a lot of tarnish that needs to be polished before he can achieve that status though.
19- Xavier Edwards Age: 18.9 SS/2B
The speedy, switch-hitting shortstop was just selected by the team and should rise through the system fairly quickly. Edwards will push Gabriel Arias at the position as he has a better bat with comparable skills at the position. Edwards is not a power hitter, but his speed has game-changing ability to it. If the team can get consistent at bats from this young man as he climbs the system, he could be someone very special. He is tearing up the AZL and looks to be promoted to Tri-City very soon. Expect Edwards to play full season ball next year for the Padres.
18- Jacob Nix Age: 22.5 RHP
Armed with one of the best curves in the system, Nix has been slow to start his 2018. He battled groin and calf injuries early, but has come on strong in a handful of starts for the Missions this year. Nix has very good control and a plus fastball which he uses to get ahead of hitters. The right handed pitcher has very clean mechanics and excellent size (6-foot-4) to be a serviceable mid rotation type pitcher for a long time. He is also a great personality and keeps the bench lively with his personality and antics.
17- Luis Campusano Age: 19.7 C/1B
The hit tool was supposed to be lacking from this young catcher, but he has impressed in his first taste of full-season pro ball. He has a rocket arm and a great catching frame. The team has utilized him at first base this season as his bat has been that good. The power is there for Campusano, though has not shown much of it yet. The teenager is still very raw, but works well with pitchers and provides the Padres with a decent catching option down the road.
16- Luis Patino Age: 18.7 RHP
This is one impressive young pitcher. It is a miracle that the team signed him last season for $300,000 while the Padres were still under penalty for their 2016-17 spending spree on the international market. Patino has a mid 90’s fastball with a sharp biting curve. He also has a developing change which has turned the corner in recent months. He is getting plenty of swings and misses, as Patino has a great knowledge of how to pitch. In time, he could be a very special pitcher for this team. Currently in Fort Wayne, he is developing very fast for the organization.
15- Hudson Potts Age: 19.7 3B
The Padres drafted this infielder in 2016 with the #24 overall pick and many people were surprised. He has proven to be a successful selection as he has shown plus power for a teenager. Potts strikeouts a bit too much presently, but he makes quick adjustments and is still learning his swing. The intangibles are a plus from this right handed hitter as he really understands how to play the game. Defensively, Potts has a plus arm at third. He generally gets his footwork down properly and should have no problem remaining at the position long term. Potts will be a power-hitting, defensive minded third baseman at the major league level when it is all said and done. Plenty of upside here.
14- Cal Quantrill Age: 23.4 RHP
The former No. 1 pick for the team in 2016 has had a slow 2018 season. He has been able to spin the ball better this season a year further away from Tommy John surgery, but has been wild in the zone. At 23, he is not where he want to be with the organization. He is clearly frustrated by the lack of “numbers”, but fans must realize that a healthy 2018 season should be everyone’s goal for this young man. In 2019, I would expect a huge breakout for this hurler as he is armed with a mid 90’s fastball and a plus change up. The slider and curve are progressing as his elbow issues diminish. Quantrill is low on this list, but that is more a product of other players just progressing around him. His day will come.
13- Josh Naylor Age: 21 1B/OF
The Canadian thumper has shown tremendous ability with the bat this 2018 season. Naylor is starting to be a little more patient at the plate and with that has seen an uptick in both home run totals and with his average. He does not strike out much for a power hitter, as he uses the whole field with his left-handed swing. Defensively, he has seen time in left field this year. The results are hit and miss, but his deficiencies in the outfield are more from lack of experience than physical ability. His future probably involves a first baseman’s mitt, but good for him for trying a new position and not sulking about it.
12- Esteury Ruiz Age: 19.4 2B
The Alfonso Soriano clone is developing nicely in Fort Wayne. Ruiz has plus power and speed. His right handed swing has some holes to it, but Ruiz has shown a great work ethic with his swing mechanics. Defensively he is a bit stiff and lacks footwork around the bag. He could become a corner outfielder is time, if he fails to adjust in the infield. As a teenager playing in the Midwest League, he is holding his own presently and there is no treason to judge just yet. The speed he displays is impressive as he knows how to swipe a base when needed.
11- Tirso Ornelas Age: 18.4 OF
This is an impressive young man who is barely beginning to grow as a baseball player. Ornelas has a smooth left-handed swing and is typically patient at the plate. His power is already showing, but with his size (6-foot-3) you expect to see more of it very soon. The Mexican teenager is an adequate fielder with a plus arm. His foot speed is nothing to write home about, but he does get great jumps on the ball and should have no issue progressing as a corner outfielder.
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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