San Diego Padres Top 100 Prospects

20- Andres Munoz–  RHP  01/16/1999

Relievers typically do not make it very high on these prospect lists, but Andres Munoz has an arm worth recognizing. There are not very many men on the planet that can throw the ball 102 MPH or more. Munoz has that kind of arm as the ball incredibly just jumps out of his hand. If he can refine any type of a breaking pitch, he will be one of the best closers in the game of baseball. Munoz had a sore arm to start 2018, but he came on strong at the end of the season, making it all the way to Double-A with the Missions. He is close to his major league debut. Very close.

19- Jeisson Rosario–  OF  10/22/1999

The left-handed-hitting outfielder is still very thin, but his development with the bat is hard to ignore. Rosario has off the charts athleticism as he does a backflip after every win from his center field position — something that Storm fans might get a joy out of watching this season. Rosario is also ambidextrous and has been seen taking grounders at shortstop with ease. He has plus skills with the stick as well. The Dominican native has an excellent eye at the plate, recording a .379 OBP in 623 at-bats in the minor leagues. He has little power right now, but that has more to do with his size and build than his bat speed.

18- Tirso Ornelas–  OF  03/11/2000

This Mexican outfielder is pretty impressive. At 18, he got plenty of action in full-season Fort Wayne with 309 at-bats and held his own against advanced pitching. He recorded a .732 OPS, slugging eight homers and driving in 40 runs. He has great power from the left side and a very smooth swing as well. Defensively, he moves fairly well for his size (6-foot-3 and 200 lbs) and has a plus arm. He could move to first eventually, but there is no reason why he can’t excel as a corner outfielder.

17- Xavier Edwards– INF  08/09/1999

The Padres may have struck gold with this prep infielder when they drafted him with the #38 overall pick in the 2018 draft. He started in the AZL after being drafted and proceeded to put up a .937 OPS in 73 at-bats. He then moved to Tri-City, where he recorded a .799 OPS in 86 at-bats for the Dust Devils. He stole 22 bases between both leagues and scored 40 runs in 45 games played. The switch-hitter had an injury late in the year and was strictly batting right-handed. His numbers could improve in 2019 as he is a hard worker and comes from a great family.

16- Jacob Nix–  RHP  01/09/1996

Nix battled groin injuries all of last year but still made his debut in the majors. He was pretty successful, armed with a decent curve and a fastball that he spots well on both sides of the plate. Nix battled some inconsistencies last season at Petco, but that can be attributed to his health. He has a great personality and is a very hard worker. Jake Nix should stay in the rotation but will need to have a solid spring to assure a spot in the Padres’ rotation.

15- Esteury Ruiz–  2B  02/15/1999

Power and speed are what this young infielder brings to the table. He has a thin, wiry frame, but the ball just jumps off his bat. He is aggressive on the base paths and running the bases on extra base hits. The right-handed hitter should have a very nice offensive year in the California League in 2019. Defensively, he is stiff with his hands and has much work to do with his footwork around the bag. He can play second base, and that is about it at this point in his career, but the bat is for real. That alone should carry him to the major leagues one day.

14- Josh Naylor–  1B/OF  06/22/1997

The left-handed hitter really looked locked in last year as he concentrated on getting “his” pitch to hit. With an improved selection in the box, Naylor enjoyed his best year at the plate, recording a .830 OPS for the season. He played left field for the team, showing that he has athletic ability to play the position if needed. The reality is Naylor is a first baseman and should be used there. He will continue to rake in the minors until the Padres figure out what they are going to do.

13- Hudson Potts–  3B  10/28/1998

This young man is on the verge of taking his game to the next level. He has played above his age group at every level. Last year as a 19-year-old, he made it all the way to Double-A. He struggled there, but did play in the Arizona Fall League. He has had advanced training and shows no signs of failing. Potts is a hard worker and has amazing power from the right side. He has a strong arm and is a prototypical third baseman. He could emerge this coming season if he cuts down on the strikeouts. He can look lost at the plate from time to time, so he needs to fix that.

12- Cal Quantrill– RHP  02/10/1995

In 2018, we saw glimpses of a real special pitcher in this right-hander. He began to really spin the ball well late in the year and his fastball command also seemed much better. His velocity is creeping up as we saw Quantrill pitch effectively at the Triple-A level last season. Some younger pitchers have passed him on the prospect depth chart, but we have yet to see the best from this right-handed hurler. He could have a breakout in 2019 of sorts as he finally pitches to his ability.

11- Anderson Espinoza-  RHP  03/09/1998

Espinoza has been shut down for nearly two years after having Tommy John surgery in 2016. He should be at, or close to, 100 percent this spring and has reportedly already been throwing on the side. He has ace-like stuff when he is healthy. The soon-to-be 21-year-old has plenty of time to develop in 2019 for the Padres. He should start in Lake Elsinore, but anything can happen when it comes to his recovery. He could rise in this list very easily with a show of clean health in the spring.

PAGE 10 LINK BELOW

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.