San Diego Padres Top 100 Prospects

70- Kelvin Melean–  INF  09/05/1998

Kelvin Melean is presently playing in Australia, but struggling with the bat. The right-handed hitter can play all over the infield and has a pretty solid glove, but needs work with the bat. He put up a .688 OPS in Fort Wayne, but fell to a .631 OPS in the California League. There is some to like here, but he needs to get better with his swing.

69- Jerry Keel–  LHP  09/26/1993

A left-handed pitcher that is close to major league action is this 6-foot-6 southpaw. He was 10-4 last year between El Paso and San Antonio, recording a 4.20 ERA and a 1.365 WHIP. He does not blow a batter away, but is effective at pitching. Keel struggled in El Paso so he will need some more seasoning before he is ready for major league hitters. He has an outside chance to remain a starter, but will likely be converted into a reliever at some point.

68- Ronald Bolanos–  RHP  08/23/1996

Cuban right-handed pitcher Ronald Bolanos looks to be an innings eater. He threw 125 innings last year in Lake Elsinore, recording a 5.11 ERA. He throws hard and has a decent offspeed pitch, but can struggle with location and the long ball. He will be a part of a rotation in 2019, where he should help save a team’s bullpen.

67- Ruddy Giron–  INF  01/04/1997

This right-handed hitter makes decent contact, but had a very average year in Lake Elsinore in 2018 posting a .625 OPS. The Dominican infielder can play third and second, but will need to progress with the bat to be anything more than minor league depth.

66- Brad Zunica–  1B  10/21/1995

This left-handed hitter put up a .769 OPS last year in Lake Elsinore, where he hit 17 homers and 60 RBI. He has the ability to use all fields with his uppercut swing. The first baseman is big and provides a great target at the position. He excels at the little things, but will need to stay consistent with his swing. Zunica owns a career .773 OPS in over 1,200 at-bats so there are some positives to his offensive game.

65- Robbie Podorsky–  OF  01/27/1995

Right-handed-hitting speedster Robbie Podorsky is fun to watch, but is missing tools to be a viable prospect. He is very small in stature and has little to no power. The outfielder does have speed, but lacks the ability to take a walk to be an effective leadoff hitter. He put up an impressive .883 OPS last year in Fort Wayne and should start in Lake Elsinore this season. There is some to like here, but he will need to grind his way to the upper minors.

64- David Bednar–  RHP  10/10/1994

Relief pitcher David Bednar spent time on the MLB pipeline top 30 list last year for the Padres, but that is a bit of a stretch presently. The right-handed pitcher is a useful bullpen piece after going 2-4 last year with a 2.73 ERA and a 1.356 WHIP in 69 innings pitched in Lake Elsinore. He struck out 96 in that time and could be a middle relief option eventually for the team.

63- Sean Guilbe–  INF  12/13/1999

This versatile infielder/outfielder was drafted in 2018 with a 12th-round pick, and he has performed well. He put up an impressive .830 OPS last year in Arizona, where he put up 133 at-bats in the desert. Guilbe walked 40 times in that span, but also did strike out 62 times, which is a concern. He has shown the ability to walk, but the swing and miss is something that needs to be corrected.

62- Lee Solomon–  INF  08/06/1996

The Padres used a 25th-round pick on this young man and he rewarded them by putting up a .882 OPS in 151 at-bats in Arizona. The right-handed hitter slugged seven homers and drove in 30 runs and looked very solid with the bat. He has shown a knack for adjusting and could be a fast riser within the system. He has the ability to play third, but looks more like a second baseman or first baseman.

61- Luis Almanzar–  INF  05/11/1999

This Dominican shortstop was supposed to be the cream of the 2016 international talent crop, but has struggled in the minors. The switch-hitter just cannot seem to get going offensively. He is still very young and there is good reason to be patient when dealing with him. Almazar can play short, second, or third base, and is a decent defensive player.

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James Clark

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.