A look at the San Diego Padres’ Top 30 prospects. 

The San Diego Padres farm system is always abuzz with talent, and while the Major League team looks to push forward for a playoff berth, the future core of the team is growing down on the farm. 

A.J. Preller and the Padres’ scouting and player development departments have done their homework for sure, having continually brought in talent while other talents have been traded away. While national evaluators may not be as high on this Padres’ system as the classes from a few years ago, let’s dive into the talent residing down on the farm. 

Here is a look at the Padres’ Top 30 Prospects, starting out with a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut. 

 

Honorable Mentions

Carson Montgomery, RHP (Age 23 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 11th Round, 2023 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Single-A

2024 Stats: (0-1) 7 IP, 3.86 ERA (5.64 FIP), 10 K, 6 BB

When Carson Montgomery was able to flash his stuff on the mound, there was much excitement. The 6-foot-3 right-hander out of Florida State showed mixed results in college, posting an ERA of 7.00 in his 20-year-old season. The intrigue has been there all along with Montgomery, as at FSU, he showed a fastball with both sink and tailing action between 93-96 miles per hour. Alongside it, Montgomery paired his heater with a strong high-80s slider, which showed impressive movement at the ACC level and looked equally as sharp with Lake Elsinore.

His high-80s cutter showed improvement entering his draft-eligible season, and while his changeup is seldom used, it showed potential in the limited sample size. Montgomery didn’t have the ample experience of most college arms when drafted, partly due to an inconsistent role at FSU, but the Padres see him as a starter long-term, and he showed some potential in that role in his professional debut with Single-A Lake Elsinore. However, he has battled through inconsistent mechanics in his collegiate career, as his lower half was prone to getting out of sync as he delivered. Currently on the mend from injury, Montgomery will look to rediscover the form that had scouts buzzing when fully cleared to return to the mound. MLB ETA – 2027

 

Jared Kollar, RHP (Age 26 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Undrafted Signee from Rutgers, August 2022

Highest Level Reached: Triple-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: (11-5),130.2 IP, 3.65 ERA (3.89 FIP), 112 K, 35 BB

Kollar is another example of a player who can emerge through undrafted free agency. The former Seton Hill and Rutgers right-hander has been a consistent performer in his two full seasons in the Padres’ organization. While Kollar does not throw as hard as some of the other names on the list, he has shown a tenacity on the mound that, when paired with strong command, has led to uncomfortable at-bats from opposing lineups.

Kollar uses an unconventional overhand delivery that allows his offspeed and breaking pitches to gain additional depth, as his changeup has shown an impressive arm-side run against left-handed batters. Kollar leans heavily on his high-80s cut fastball to generate soft contact against opposing batters, throwing it 50.2% of the time in his time at Triple-A El Paso. While his arsenal may not have the highest differentiation in velocity (76 to 92 miles per hour), the command and movement of his secondaries pair well with his ability to find the zone. He may not be the flashiest arm in the system, but he has the upside of a back-end starter who could be a candidate for a rotation/long-relief role on the 2025 Padres. MLB ETA – 2025

 

Jack Costello, 3B/1B (Age 23 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 10th Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Single-A

2024 Stats: .284/.388/.529 (.917 OPS), 6 HR, 30 RBI (141 wRC+)

It may seem bold to rate a player this highly coming right out of college, but not many college bats make such a first impression. Jack Costello was selected in the 10th round of the 2024 draft and signed for $10,000. Jack Costello certainly displayed some impressive tools throughout the other side of summer. Costello’s slugging ability was one of his strengths coming out of USD, and it was on full display with Single-A Lake Elsinore. In 121 plate appearances, Costello homered six times, and 12 of his 29 hits went for extra bases, providing the Storm with another offensive catalyst in their push for a California League title. 

As a 10th-round pick, expectations may have been low for Costello, but he certainly made a name for himself in his small sample. He walked nearly twice as much as he struck out (6.6% K rate vs. 11.6% BB rate) and managed to pull the ball with authority, much like he did with the Toreros. If Costello can make adjustments in his game to decrease his ground ball rate from 52.2% and elevate the baseball more, he could be a legitimate power threat with the ability to play the hot corner. While first base is a more likely landing spot for him long term, he has the arm and athleticism to cover third base and even corner outfield if need be (as he recorded two outfield assists from right field with the Storm). MLB ETA – 2027

 

Kannon Kemp, RHP (Age 20 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 8th Round, 2023 Draft

Highest Level Reached: Instructional League

2024 Stats: No Official Game Action

Kemp’s pure description as a prospect definitely generates wonder- a 6-foot-6 right-hander with a 90-94 mph fastball at age 20 and a tight slider to boot. Clearly, the Padres liked what they saw in Kemp, so much so that they signed him for a whopping $625,000. Kemp is one of the arms in the Padres’ system who shows a really high ceiling as a result of his pitches and physical build, but that foundation is still a work in progress.

The right-handed pitcher doesn’t generate much extension out of his tall frame, which restricts the upside of his slider. An upper-70s curveball is his other main secondary, but it didn’t quite tunnel well off the fastball during instructs. To make the waters even murkier, Kemp underwent a right shoulder procedure during the 2024 campaign after being slowed by an impingement in the same shoulder in the spring, so his pro debut will have to wait. As scouts would say, there is “reliever risk” with Kemp, but it is too soon to know what his role will be in the long term. Returning to health and displaying his ability are the next steps that will determine what lies ahead for Kemp’s career. MLB ETA – 2029

 

The Top 30

30. Ryan Och, LHP (Age 26 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 7th Round, 2021 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: (3-3, 4 SV), 3.70 ERA (2.30 FIP), 83 K, 26 BB (33.9% K | 10.6% BB)

Past: The 2021 MLB Draft brought in a plethora of talent for the Padres’ system, and Ryan Och has emerged as yet another. The former Southern Mississippi southpaw showed his strikeout potential in his first two professional seasons before Tommy John surgery cost him the entire 2023 campaign. 

Present: In his first season back from Tommy John surgery, Och picked up right where he left off at High-A. In 26.2 innings, he struck out 33.1% of batters while walking 12.1%. Clearly, this angle of his performance is what prompted the Padres to promote the left-hander to Double-A midseason despite a 4.73 ERA. Och’s performance was significantly better than the ERA suggests, as opponents recorded a staggering .438 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) against him at Fort Wayne. The move to San Antonio brought along smoother sailing, as Och was able to keep the strikeouts high (33.9% K rate) while reeling in his command (9.1% BB rate). He was even part of the “Flying Chanclas” no-hitter on August 15. 

Relying on a fastball sitting in the low-to-mid 90s paired with a slider/curveball mix of offspeed pitches, Och has a strong understanding of where his pitches play well in the strike zone. Och may not have the gaudy velocity numbers of standout left-handed pitching prospects, but his unique near-sidearm slot presents challenges for opposing hitters. 

Future: While he was Rule 5 eligible in the 2024 offseason, he was not selected onto the 40-man roster. Given his age and performance in 2024, it is more likely that he will open the season at Double-A with a call-up to Triple-A El Paso, likely not too far down the road. Another factor in Och’s potential quick ascent is the lack of left-handed relief options in the Padres’ organization, as the current roster projections only have Tom Cosgrove (in his final option year) and recent signee Jake Higginbotham as left-handed relievers at Triple-A to open the season. 

MLB ETA – 2025

 

29. Austin Krob, LHP (Age 25 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 12th Round, 2022 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Stats: (4-11) 4.43 ERA (3.60 FIP), 124 IP, 120 K, 44 BB (22.4% K Rate | 8.2% BB Rate)

Past: The Padres’ organization ought to have liked what they saw from Austin Krob at TCU, as they selected him in the 12th round and signed the southpaw for a $125,000 signing bonus, unheard of for a 12th-round pick. Krob performed as expected in his first two professional seasons spent at Single-A and High-A, consistently delivering ground ball rates north of 50%. The team was pleased with his performances, and entering the season, Krob was assigned to Double-A San Antonio as his next stop. 

Present: In his debut campaign at Double-A, Krob posted what could be considered a statistically misleading season. If basing analysis on traditional numbers, his 4-11 win-loss record and 4.43 ERA would be considered pedestrian numbers. He had a slow first half in San Antonio, but in his 13 second-half starts, he posted a 3.56 ERA in 65.2 innings (compared to a 5.40 ERA in 58.1 innings). However, there are several caveats to decipher. Krob posted a FIP of 3.60 in 124 innings at Double-A, which is nearly a full run better than his ERA. As a groundball pitcher, Krob’s ERA was naturally higher and did not always show how effective he was on the mound. Furthermore, Krob allowed three runs or less in 19 of 25 starts in the 2025 campaign.  

Krob’s ceiling is dependent on how evaluators assess him. On a fundamental level, he has all the makeup of a starting pitcher, with a fastball that sits in the low 90s and can reach 93-94 when he rears back for it. His slider has been his bread-and-butter pitch throughout his professional career, with the pitch being a weapon against both left-handers and right-handers. While the selection sits in the mid-80s, Krob is able to generate significant break on the pitch to generate plenty of chases outside the zone. His changeup, while not as applauded as his slider, still generates sufficient arm-side run to present another wrinkle against right-handed batters. 

Future: Krob projects as a “high-floor” prospect, given his consistency at the lower minors paired with the relative lack of explosiveness. His arm action and pitch profiles are somewhat reminiscent of former Friar Robbie Erlin, albeit with sharper movement on his slider. Krob’s ability to face lineups multiple times will certainly be put to the test in 2025, as this will truly determine whether he winds up as a starter or reliever long-term. His above-average command should lend well to allow him to start when paired with his understanding of sequencing and how his pitches play off one another. His developmental path so far is somewhat comparable to Jackson Wolf’s in 2022-23. Whether he begins the season at Double-A or Triple-A will depend on his performance in spring, but if he performs as he has in the past, there is a chance he sees big league time in 2025.

MLB ETA – Late 2025 or Early 2026

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28. Braedon Karpathios, OF (Age 21 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent, July 2022

Highest Level Reached: Single-A

2024 Stats: .252/.388/.385 (.773 OPS), 115 wRC+, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 5 SB 

Past: San Diego has found plenty of diamond-in-the-rough prospect types through the UDFA pipeline, and Bradeon Karpathios may be the very next one. Signed by San Diego in 2022, Karpathios played his first full season with the ACL Padres and Lake Elsinore in 2023, posting a collective slash line of .243/.444/.356 in 243 plate appearances. The on-base percentage is very telling of the kind of player the Padres got in Karpathios, as he worked walks a staggering 25.9% of the time in 2023. With a strong eye at the plate, Karpathios presents a well-rounded skill set that certainly had the organization thinking. 

Present: Entering 2024, Karpathios was assigned to Single-A Lake Elsinore, and in his first full year outside of instructional league, he certainly made strides in the right direction. In 119 games with the Storm, he reached base at a .388 clip, walking 17.2% of the time. His strikeout numbers remained the same when compared to his 2023 cumulative numbers (27.2% strikeout rate in both seasons). Karpathios also showed an advanced approach at the plate, hitting to the opposite field 43.3% of the time, along with a line drive rate of 19.3%. This set of offensive tools shows an impressive command of the zone from such a young player, and at 6-foot-1, he is an athletic player capable enough to handle all three outfield positions. He also put up 13 outfield assists in 958.2 innings in the field, with seven coming from right field. 

Future: While Karpathios is still a ways away from the Majors, his performance at Single-A this season saw him be a key part of the Lake Elsinore Storm’s push to the California League championship. Offensively, he has the tools that could make him an average to above-average everyday player at the MLB level down the road, and while he may end up in right field long-term, his bat will certainly play there. He is still 21 going on 22, so he has time as he progresses through the minor leagues to develop more in-game power. At his ceiling, Karpathios could be an everyday MLB-caliber outfielder with good plate discipline and 15-20 home run potential.

MLB ETA – 2028

 

27. Luis Maracara, RHP (Age 17 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agent, January 2024

Highest Level Reached: DSL Padres Gold

2024 Stats: (2-2) 3.18 ERA (3.65 FIP), 45.1 IP, 52 K, 16 BB (27.1% K Rate | 8.1% BB Rate)

Past: Maracara was signed by the Padres organization roughly a year ago, in January of 2024, out of Venezuela. Given his age, he was assigned to the team’s Dominican Summer League affiliate to begin his professional career. 

Present: In his first foray into professional baseball, Maracara showed several flashes of the upside he has. Starting in 10 of his 11 appearances, the right-hander was impressive in a sample of 45.1 innings. Maracara struck out 27.1% of opposing batters while walking 8.1%. For a first-year player at the DSL level, where strikeout and walk numbers are below MLB standard, posting these numbers shows Maracara’s maturity on the mound. Maracara also showed efficiency in his debut season, tossing four or more innings in eight of his appearances in a league of seven-inning games. The right-hander’s peripheral numbers reinforced his performance in the season, and he looks to make further strides in 2025.

Future: While Maracara pitched well for the DSL Padres Gold in 2024, his next stop is to be determined. Given his age and limited professional experience, it is likely that he will return to the Padres Gold in 2025. Considering his performance over his season, Maracara looks to be a long-term starter as well. He exhibited strong command at the rookie levels and exhibited a polished approach at such a young age, which bodes well for his development going forward.

MLB ETA – 2030

 

26. Lamar King Jr, C/1B (Age 21 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 4th Round, 2022 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Single-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: .271/.379/.421 (.800 OPS), 113 wRC+, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 0 SB

Past: For fans of the NFL, the name Lamar King may be familiar. Lamar King Jr. is the son of former Seahawks defensive end Lamar King. The younger King chose baseball, drafted by San Diego in the 2022 MLB Draft. His name hadn’t floated much around the farm as King battled through injury issues and limited playing time in the Complex League. 

Present: Starting in 2024 in the Arizona Complex League, King’s bat picked up where he left off in his injury-shortened 2023 campaign. King was one of the most consistent hitters for the ACL Padres this season, hitting .275 with a .817 OPS in 37 games. Following this strong stretch of play, King was promoted to Single-A Lake Elsinore in time for the team’s playoff run. The new environment did not do much to cool down the 21-year-old’s production, as he went on to post a .778 OPS with two homers and 15 RBI. 

Defensively, the biggest development for King was where he spent most of his time. While he was drafted as a catcher, King spent all but one game in the ACL at designated hitter, and upon reaching Single-A, 16 of his 24 appearances came at first base, where he showed a solid fielding ability. Now, King’s 138 innings at first base with Lake Elsinore is higher than his entire time spent as a catcher at the professional level. 

Future: With his size and hit tool, King possesses an untapped upside that has yet to fully be seen in a large sample. Moving him to a position that will allow him to maximize his offensive toolset (at first base rather than behind the plate) could definitely serve him well as he develops in the minor leagues. With the San Diego system not the deepest at the cold corner, King’s path to the majors will be contingent on his ability to continue making solid contact and reaching base at an above-average rate. His power potential is a storyline to monitor as he continues at Single-A and above and will truly define just how high his upside is.

MLB ETA – 2028

 

25. Manuel Davila, RHP (Age 17 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agent, January 2024

Highest Level Reached: DSL Padres Gold

2024 Cumulative Stats: (4-2), 2.41 ERA (3.14 FIP), 52.1 IP, 52 K, 10 BB (24.9% K | 4.8% BB)

Past: Yet another 2024 international signee, Davila, was signed out of Mexico from the Diablos Rojos Academy, the very same academy from which fellow Padres farmhand Omar Cruz signed. 

Present: Davila made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League and showed incredible maturity on the mound. Davila leaned on his sinker to generate plenty of ground balls, compiling a total of 52.1 innings in 11 games (10 starts). In this span, Davila pounded the zone, walking only 2.9% of opposing batters in five games with the DSL Padres Brown. Earning a promotion to the Padres Gold, Davila made six starts there before the end of the season. While his ground ball rate went down in a comparable sample of 26 innings, Davila also struck out batters at a higher rate (27.1% with Padres Gold vs 22.5% with Padres Brown). 

Future: Davila has shown promise in his debut campaign, and the 17-year-old is clearly turning some heads within the organization. It is unlikely that Davila will see full-season ball next season given his age, but his performance in the DSL has him a candidate to make the jump stateside in 2025. Look out for his name in the Arizona Complex League in 2025.

MLB ETA – 2030

 

24. Ryan Bergert, RHP (Age 25 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 6th Round, 2021 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Stats (Double-A): (2-10) 4.78 ERA (3.70 FIP), 98 IP, 87 K, 33 BB (20.9% K rate | 7.9% BB rate)

Past: At this time in 2024, Ryan Bergert was looked at as a surefire bet to reach the majors in late 2024. The 2023 Padres minor league Pitcher of the Year posted an electric campaign between High-A and Double-A that season, posting a cumulative 2.73 ERA (3.11 FIP) in 105.2 innings. Bergert’s star was shining bright as the former West Virginia Mountaineer struck out a stellar 29.2% of opposing batters while walking a less-than-ideal but serviceable 10.7%. To really take the next step in his development, Bergert had to fully harness his arsenal and limit walks, as the pure stuff and strikeout numbers would indicate success at the higher levels of the minors leading to MLB. 

Present: The Padres organization assigned Bergert to Double-A to open the season, and to call his season a tale of two halves would not be a stretch at all. Bergert opened the season with two strong four-inning starts, combining for 13 strikeouts in the two games. However, the following six starts were a far cry from his 2023 form, as he posted a 6.82 ERA over 29 innings. Simply put, batters were putting more balls in play against Bergert, and as a result, he allowed more runs while seeing his strikeout numbers decrease substantially. Finishing the first half with a 6.26 ERA and 1.57 WHIP, it looked like a season to forget for the 24-year-old. 

There was still a half-season left, and after a month off (from June 14 to July 14), Bergert returned and got stronger as the year winded down. He showcased a return to form in August, posting a 2.92 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 24.2 innings. The highlight of the month, and arguably the season, for the right-hander was his start on August 15, where he struck out nine in six hitless innings against Amarillo. The turn-around over the second half of the season (3.21 ERA in 47.2 innings) coincided with Bergert being more aggressive in the zone, getting ahead of opposing batters and limiting baserunners. 

The key with Bergert has always been his arsenal. Bergert’s slider is the pillar of it all, as the pitch has significant glove-side movement, which makes it effective against right-handers. When paired with Bergert’s low-to-mid 90s fastball, the pitch tunnels incredibly well for a right-handed slider, generating whiffs in waves against left-handed hitters. There were questions surrounding the depth of his arsenal entering 2024, and Bergert developed his changeup over the course of the season. The pitch, sitting at 84-85 mph, gained significant fade compared to its form in 2023, and while not on par with his fastball-slider combo, it could be a serviceable third pitch in his arsenal. The final piece of the arsenal puzzle is a cutter in the mid-80s, which has shown swing-and-miss ability but can sometimes blend in with his slider. 

Future: Bergert has shown that he has the ceiling to be a back-end starter at the Major League level. His fastball and slider combination is one that the Padres organization has shown a knack in developing (see Dinelson Lamet), or improving (see Michael King and Dylan Cease), and his release point allows the pitches to tunnel efficiently. However, Bergert is going into his age-25 season, which is often a turning point for pitchers on the cusp of the majors. The Padres organization will have to decide whether they see Bergert as a long-term starter or whether they would prefer to transition him to the bullpen. While his fastball-slider combo is tailored for the role of a two-pitch single-inning reliever, the strides he has made with his other secondaries at least merit consideration for a starting role. His addition to the 40-man roster and the Padres’ hesitance to allow their top minor league arms to see the Pacific Coast League opens the possibility of a 2025 MLB debut.

MLB ETA – 2025

 

23. Jagger Haynes, LHP (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 5th Round, 2020 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: High-A

2024 Stats: (2-6), 4.64 ERA (4.64 FIP), 110.2 IP, 114 K, 66 BB (24% K rate | 13.9% BB rate)

Past: Drafted out of West Columbus High School in North Carolina, Haynes was viewed as a raw prospect given his limited experience on the mound and loss of his senior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. San Diego believed in the potential, though, signing him for $300,000. Haynes’ stuff has been highly touted since coming out of high school, but it had hardly been since until 2023 due to injuries. A string of shoulder injuries and Tommy John surgery held Haynes from making his professional debut until 2023 with Single-A Lake Elsinore. Even then, Haynes was limited in game action to 25.1 innings with the Storm, as blister issues and nagging shoulder issues held the left-hander to a maximum of 56 pitches in a game in 2023. 

Present: The 2024 season was the first extended opportunity for Haynes to showcase his stuff in game action, as the left-hander was finally healthy. His season began in nightmarish fashion, allowing 11 runs in 4.2 innings over a span of three games in April. Once the calendar turned to May, Haynes’ season also turned. Between May and July, Haynes allowed two earned runs or less in 12 of 14 starts, with a cumulative 3.10 ERA in 75.1 innings in that span. Haynes’ mid-summer performance continued to show why the Padres took a gamble on him four years prior. Despite this, the workload began to show its effect on Haynes as the calendar turned to August, as the left-hander finished the season with a 5.86 ERA in his final six starts (20 earned runs in 30.2 innings). 

While the final numbers are somewhat misleading, Haynes showed an availability not seen in previous seasons. Furthermore, the numbers “under the hood” certainly have scouts and the Padres salivating. Haynes generated whiffs on 29.8% of swings against him, which would be a top 15 number in MLB (for reference, among qualified starting pitchers, Haynes’ 29.8% whiff rate matches Sonny Gray, who ranked 13th in MLB). Haynes made a living off of soft contact and strikeouts in his first full season, generating infield fly balls on 28.1% of batted balls against him. His fastball has seen its velocity rise from before TJS, averaging 92-95 with Fort Wayne while topping out at 97 mph. His curveball has shown impressive bite and movement, sitting between 79-84 mph. The pitch has been able to play as a curveball and a slider depending on velocity, as at higher velocity, the pitch has less vertical break compared to horizontal. He also showed an 81-84 mph changeup throughout the course of the season, with fringy to average arm-side run. It is certainly possible that his changeup could improve, but it almost is worth considering whether it is not too late for those developments. 

Future: Haynes is in an interesting spot regarding his progression, as he is still only 22 years old at High-A. It is certainly possible that the Padres organization wants to see what he can accomplish as a starter before making a decision on his role. His strong fastball-breaking ball combo would play up particularly well as a one-inning reliever, especially with his fastball being able to touch 97 mph. For a pitcher who has dealt with significant injury troubles over his professional career, moving Haynes to the bullpen could be a move that merits consideration. Limiting walks and maintaining the ability to generate soft contact from opposing batters will be key for Haynes’ future going into 2025, and the Padres hope he can continue to stretch out his arm as his ceiling is still waiting to be reached. 

MLB ETA – 2027

 

22. Cole Paplham, RHP (Age 25 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent, August 2022

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Cumulative Stats): (0-1), 4.82 ERA (3.84 xFIP), 9.1 IP, 11 K, 5 BB (26.8% K rate | 11.2% BB rate)

Past: Signed in August of 2022 as a free agent, Cole Paplham flashed impressive stuff during the 2022 MLB Draft League. Armed with a fastball sitting 94-96 and a sharp sweeper in the mid-80s, Paplham went undrafted and ultimately signed with the Padres. His 2023 campaign was telling of the kind of arm he could be, as he posted a combined 28.6% strikeout rate and 10.6% walk rate in 30 innings, with 21 coming for Single-A Lake Elsinore and his final eight with High-A Fort Wayne. Paplham was praised for his fastball, which showed an impressive arm-side run paired with the ability to touch 97-99 mph. His slider impressed scouts and froze opposing batters between Single-A and High-A in 2023, as he helped the TinCaps make a postseason push. 

Present: 2024 was, for all intents and purposes, a season to forget for the right-hander. Paplham saw time with the MLB club during spring training, ultimately being reassigned to minor league camp and opening the season on the injured list. Paplham made a total of eight appearances in a three-week span of health, posting a 4.82 ERA in that limited sample. His strikeout and walk numbers were similar to 2023, but he went down with an injury near the end of June, eventually landing on the injured list on June 21 and being transferred to the 60-day IL on June 28. It was later reported that Paplham underwent Tommy John Surgery over the summer, likely sidelining him for most of 2025, but the report was ultimately proven false. Paplham pitched in the Dominican Winter League before the 2025 season, flashing his high-velocity fastball and a new developing cutter, which only raises intrigue about his upside. 

Future: Paplham has established himself as a solid single-inning relief pitcher, with the upside to rack up strikeouts but a wildness around the strike zone at times. His delivery is very up-tempo, with a pronounced lean to the first base side after release. This element of his delivery has allowed his fastball to ride in on right-handers and tail away from left-handers. This facet has also led to questionable command, rated as low as 20 on the 20-80 scale by some evaluators. He showed plenty of swing-and-miss stuff over his brief professional career thus far, and his 2024 campaign was unfortunate in the way it ended. It is too soon to project Paplham’s future role; he will certainly be worthy of discussion as a high-upside relief arm, and given his raw stuff, a late-inning role at higher levels remains a distinct possibility.

MLB ETA – 2026

 

21. Tyson Neighbors, RHP (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 4th Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Single-A

2024 Stats (Single-A): (0-0), 3.86 ERA (2.78 FIP), 4.2 IP, 9 K, 4 BB (39.1% K rate | 17.4% BB rate)

Past: Neighbors rose from relative anonymity to a highly-touted draft prospect in 2024, posting a 3.01 career ERA at Kansas State in 95.2 innings over three seasons. Neighbors really excelled in his time as the Wildcats’ closer, with his 2023 season generating buzz (1.85 ERA, 86 K in 48.2 IP). While his 2024 season wasn’t as strong a platform as 2023, Neighbors still garnered praise as one of, if not the best, bullpen prospect in the entire 2024 draft class, per MLB Pipeline. San Diego’s front office was clearly enticed, selecting Neighbors in the fourth round. 

Present: Neighbors didn’t see much game action in 2024 at the professional level; after all, he had thrown 38.2 innings with KSU. Debuting with Single-A Lake Elsinore, Neighbors was a critical piece of a late-season push for the playoffs, tossing 4.2 innings during the regular season as the team made their way to the California League finals. The numbers in the small sample size were, in simplest terms, video game-like. Neighbors struck out nearly 40% of batters faced, generating a whiff rate of 43.2%. 

Unlike many recent draftees, Neighbors is a player who likely does not need significant time on the minor league ladder before being big-league ready. His three-pitch arsenal (uncommon for a closer in modern MLB) features a high-90s fastball, a low-90s slider that can reach 92 mph, and a big curveball in the low-80s. This deep arsenal allows Neighbors to effectively manage opposing batters regardless of which side of the plate they hit from. 

Future: Neighbors possesses a strong pitch mix that will allow him to succeed as he progresses through the higher levels of the minors. While he had a short sample in his professional debut, he projects as a pitcher who could rise quickly through the Padres’ system. San Diego’s farm has a lot of arms that project as relievers, but Neighbors is one of a select few who has the makings of a future closer. Considering his experience in the NCAA, Neighbors is likely to see MLB action within the next two seasons, and while it likely comes in 2026, a 2025 call-up cannot be written off if he continues to dominate opponents.

MLB ETA – Late 2025/ Early 2026

 

20. Omar Cruz, LHP (Age 26 on Opening Day)

Acquired: MiLB Rule 5 Draft, December 2023

Highest Level Reached: Triple-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: (6-2), 3.96 ERA (2.96 FIP), 86.1 IP, 118 K, 36 BB (32.3% K rate | 9.9% BB rate)

Past: Omar Cruz has been a highly touted Padres prospect at two different stages in his career. Signed out of Mexico in 2017, Cruz spent a pair of seasons in the Padres’ minor league system prior to the 2020 season, posting strong strikeout numbers in his age 19 & 20 seasons. After the 2020 campaign, Cruz was notably a part of the deal that brought native San Diegan Joe Musgrove to the Padres. After three seasons with the Pirates’ minor league system, a time which Cruz described as feeling like “[…]my career going downhill,” he found himself being selected in the minor league Rule 5 draft by San Diego. 

Present: 2024 was a real display of Cruz’s upside on the mound. Starting the year with Double-A San Antonio, Cruz delivered regardless of the role he was asked to be in. Even with an inflated home run per fly-ball rate in the Texas League, Cruz struck out 35.4% of opposing batters in 47.2 innings. Out of the bullpen, Cruz did it all, be it short or long relief, highlighted by an outing on June 26 vs. Midland. Relieving opener Carter Loewen, Cruz fired 4.2 innings of one-hit baseball, striking out a season-high nine batters. 

That outing alone helped stake his claim to a Triple-A callup, which he earned on July 13. From that point onward, Cruz delivered equally impressive results in the pitcher’s gauntlet known as the Pacific Coast League. In 14 games and 38.2 innings with the El Paso Chihuahuas. Cruz was one of the team’s most consistent arms in the second half, posting a 3.47 FIP, 42.7% ground ball rate, and 28.7% strikeout rate. Cruz battled off an elevated .337 BABIP in 14 games, five of which were starts. His August was nothing short of spectacular, posting a 1.42 ERA in five games and four appearances, which consisted of multiple innings. 

Cruz is one of the Padres’ arms at Triple-A who projects better as a starter than a reliever. Possessing a four-pitch arsenal, Cruz has remade himself entirely from his time with the Pirates. As he told EVT, his changeup became his best pitch over the past three seasons, and while his curveball began to lag behind, he has recovered the break on the pitch to make it an average to above-average offering. His slider and curveball can, at times, blend together, as they come from the same arm slot, but the break on the pitch is enough to freeze batters or make them chase. His fastball has the potential to reach 96 mph while averaging 92.1 mph in 2024 with carry, which leads to plenty of swing-and-miss in the upper half of the zone. And where does one even begin with the changeup? Cruz’s fastball allows him to set up batters for his change, which sits between 78 and 82 mph. The pitch comes from the exact same slot as the heater, and in 2024, opposing batters whiffed on 50% of swings against the changeup. 

Future: Cruz was selected onto the 40-man roster in November, and clearly, the organization views him as someone who can contribute to their MLB club in 2025. The lefty has proven himself at every stop on the minor league ladder throughout his career, and with his ability to pitch in any role, he could be a valuable “Swiss army knife” type of hurler the Padres have not had since Nick Martinez and Nabil Crismatt. Furthermore, the Padres have not had much left-handed starting pitching depth in recent years, so Cruz could be in a tense battle this Spring Training for a rotation spot with other arms, but as Cruz told EVT, “My goal isn’t just to reach the Majors, but to stay there through working hard.”

MLB ETA – 2025

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19. Rosman Verdugo, IF (Age 20 on Opening Day)

Acquired: International Free Agent, January 2022

Highest Level Reached: High-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: .235/.340/.381 (.721 OPS, 99 wRC+), 10 HR, 60 RBI, 7 SB

Past: The top international prospect from Mexico in the 2022 international signing period, Verdugo signed with San Diego for $700,000 that January. Assigned to the Arizona Complex League, the then 17-year-old Verdugo put his name on the map with seven home runs, 35 runs batted in, and 18 of his 42 hits going for extra bases. The Padres were pleased with his production and aggressively promoted him to Single-A in 2023. The team’s aggression was, in hindsight, too much in this instance, as Verdugo struggled to a 78 wRC+. The 2023 season was not entirely a wash for Verdugo, as he saw a significant uptick in time at shortstop, posting 775 innings there over 90 games, albeit with 21 errors compared to one error in 18 games at second base. 

Present: Starting in 2024 at Single-A Lake Elsinore, Verdugo found himself rotating between positions, spending time at second base, third base, shortstop, and designated hitter. Verdugo’s time at multiple positions was partially attributed to the presence of one Leodalis De Vries, but it may have served to his advantage. Verdugo had his strongest fielding at second base throughout the season. 

At the plate, Verdugo took the lessons he learned in 2023 and rose above that performance. In 81 games with the Storm, Verdugo hit .250 while reaching base at a .363 clip. His eye at the plate was on full display as he cut down on the swing-and-miss to walk in 14.3% of his plate appearances. His aggressive approach at the plate saw some changes this year, as Verdugo was more aggressive with pitches he could do damage on, and when paired with his pull-side power, an uptick in his slugging was the end result. Verdugo pulled the ball 53.5% of the time, and as he hit more line drives, the results were visible. He posted a 109 wRC+ in 81 games with the Storm before being promoted to High-A Fort Wayne. 

His time in Fort Wayne was not as productive, as Verdugo struggled to a .186/.262/.299 slash line, albeit in a small sample of 25 games. Reaching High-A at just 19 years old, Verdugo was younger than most of the average competition at the level, but he was still able to hit eight extra-base hits and score 13 runs in the small sample. 

Future: Verdugo’s compact swing showed improvements from his 2023 season, and it became apparent over the season that he had a strong understanding of what his strengths were at the plate. While his defense has him at second base long term, Verdugo possesses a positional versatility that would be helpful to a major league team. His arm is not as strong as others in the system, rated out as an average throwing arm, and his fielding showed improvement when focused at second. At the plate, he has the upside to be a 10-15 home run per season hitter with plenty of power to plug the gaps. To make it to the Major Leagues, Verdugo will need to improve his performance against breaking balls and continue to cut down on his aggressiveness at the plate. 2025 will be very telling as to just how high his ceiling will be.

MLB ETA – 2027

 

18. Romeo Sanabria, 1B (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 18th Round, 2022 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: .288/.396/.427 (.823 OPS, 130 wRC+), 11 HR, 78 RBI, 3 SB

Past: Sanabria is an example of a late-round draft success story thus far in his professional career. Taken in the 18th round of the 2022 Draft, Sanabria did not spend much time at catcher, his position when drafted. The Padres were clearly enticed by his hitting ability more than his defense, promptly moving him to first base in 2023 after only six games spent at catcher. This move certainly served Sanabria well, as the left-handed hitter raked to the tune of a 151 wRC+ between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A Lake Elsinore. It wasn’t all based solely on his bat-to-ball skills, as Sanabria showed one of the best plate visions in the Padres’ system, walking 15.6% of the time compared to a 23.3% strikeout rate. 

Present: Starting the 2024 campaign at Single-A Lake Elsinore, Sanabria did something quite uncommon for a minor league hitter, as he saw significant playing time at three different minor league levels. In 59 games with Lake Elsinore, Sanabria walked more than he struck out (48 walks to 46 strikeouts), and a .926 OPS in that time span earned him a promotion to High-A, having little left to prove at Single-A. His transition to the less hitter-friendly Midwest League wasn’t a rough one, as Sanabria continued to produce at a strong level. He didn’t spend much time in the Midwest League, slashing .262/.343/.393 in 34 games (140 plate appearances). His slugging did go down in his time with the TinCaps, as he only saw 15 of his 32 hits there go for extra bases. He still reached base at an above-average rate, which led San Diego to give him another aggressive promotion, this time to Double-A San Antonio. Closing out the season in a new environment, Sanabria continued to reach base across 32 games as a Mission, posting a .375 OBP and 15.4% walk rate as his line drive rate was its highest of his career (36.4%). 

Sanabria made plenty of growth at the plate throughout the season, seeing his ground ball rate go down as he went up the system. Since Sanabria isn’t the most fleet of foot, hitting the ball higher led to more power. While his slugging did not remain at the rate at every level, Sanabria showed an ability to make adjustments at the plate to allow himself to truly succeed. As one Padres prospect who saw time in the Arizona Fall League, those improvements paid off. In 15 AFL games, he posted a slash line of .276/.364/.345, with his exit velocities garnering plenty of attention, and with an AFL Fall Star nod in the bag, Sanabria looks to keep climbing closer to the Majors in 2025.

Future: A bat-first, first baseman, Sanabria is not the prototypical first baseman, as his on-base abilities and gap-to-gap hitting are his strongest tool at this point in his development. Sanabria has also made improvements defensively at first base, a relatively new position for him. For the 22-year-old to continue on this upward trajectory, he will need to drive the ball with more authority on a consistent basis as he faces tougher pitching, but seeing his performance so far, it isn’t out of the cards that he could be a John Olerud-type of player, with the floor of a high-OBP platoon DH. 

MLB ETA – 2026

 

17. Brandon Valenzuela, C/1B (Age 24 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agent, July 2017

Highest Level Reached: Triple-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: .232/.312/.352 (.664 OPS, 85 wRC+), 9 HR, 47 RBI, 0 SB

Past: Valenzuela’s rise through the Padres’ system has been a slow one but one that has seen quality results. Signed by the Padres all the way back in 2017, Valenzuela has steadily climbed through the farm, showing strong tools at the plate and defensively as well. His defense has been a sight to behold, as he possesses an above-average throwing arm behind the dish and a strong reputation as a pitch framer and game-caller. His abilities behind the plate have impressed both his teammates and scouts, as well as the organization, and even though he has been Rule-5 eligible, the Padres have the belief, having seen his development, that he could be a part of their catching corps of the future. 

Present: The catcher opened the 2024 campaign with Double-A San Antonio, playing 84 games with the Missions. His offense was somewhat amiss, as he did not have the high walk rates of previous seasons. However, his slugging was its best in his two stints with the Missions, and with his defensive performance, the organization promoted him to Triple-A. Granted, his nine home runs and 16 doubles certainly helped his cause. 

Valenzuela’s debut at Triple-A was a far cry from his Double-A performance, as in 90 plate appearances, he struggled to a .195/.292/.234 slash line with only three extra-base hits. Despite the struggles on the surface level, Valenzuela delivered a 46.6% hard-hit rate in his small sample at Triple-A, showcasing one of his strengths at the plate while the results were not entirely present. While his ground ball rate went down over the course of the season, his relatively low bat speed minimized the effect of his change in batted ball efficiency. 

Defensively, Valenzuela remained the rock-solid presence that pitchers have raved about, throwing out 33% of attempted base stealers between both levels (33 caught stealing in 100 attempts). When calling the game, he has shown proficient skills with pitch framing and receiving, even with the implementation of the automated strike zone. 

Future: It has been a long journey for the catcher to reach the cusp of the majors, and based on his defensive performances thus far, 2025 could very well be the year he breaks through. While his offense is considered to be behind his defense in terms of performance, it is very likely the Padres organization puts more stock in the Double-A numbers from 2024 compared to his stats in El Paso. With the team’s backup catcher position still a question mark, Valenzuela has a case to be with the big league team in Spring Training, and with a strong spring and start at Triple-A, he can certainly make it to the MLB team by midseason.

MLB ETA – 2025

 

16. Tirso Ornelas, OF/1B (Age 25 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agent, March 2017

Highest Level Reached: Triple-A

2024 Stats: .297/.367/.497 (.864 OPS, 113 wRC+), 23 HR, 89 RBI, 7 SB

Past: One of A.J. Preller’s under-the-radar signings of his infamous 2016 international signing class, Tirso Ornelas, debuted with the organization in 2017. While Ornelas has been in the minors since that 2017 campaign, he has really come into his own over the last two seasons. Ornelas’ raw power has been chronicled since his early minor league days, and he has the build of a hulking slugger at the plate despite being just 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. His open stance and leg kick allow him to generate impressive power, but he isn’t one to sell out for the long ball, as his eye at the plate has been his most consistent tool. Ornelas’ plate discipline has steadily improved as he has matured at the plate, with his 2022 and 2023 seasons seeing him record OBP in the .350s (.352 in 2022, .358 in 2023). 

Present: 2024 was Ornelas’ first full campaign at Triple-A El Paso, and the 24-year-old was one of, if not the most consistent producer for a Chihuahuas team that struggled to find offense. Even with the PCL’s reputation for being a dream league for hitters, Ornelas slashed .297/.367/.497 in 128 games played, which adds up to a 113 wRC+. While his walk rate was lower than in 2023 (spent mostly at Double-A), Ornelas was able to lower his strikeout rate to an impressive 16.1%. His plate approach didn’t see much change from 2023, indicating that some mechanical adjustments made over the last two seasons have greatly helped his offensive game. Ornelas does lean toward the pull side in his approach, as he has what can be characterized as “light-tower power” to the pull side. His power isn’t just to the pull side, as he has shown an ability to hit to all fields over the last two seasons. 

As a left-handed slugger, the biggest question with players of Ornelas’ archetype is whether they can hold their own against left-handed pitching. The good news there is that Ornelas certainly can manage southpaws. In 123 at-bats versus left-handers this past season, Ornelas raked to the tune of a .301/.383/.463 slash line, posting a .846 OPS in that sample. His numbers against right-handers were comparable, as a .869 OPS and .296 batting average against them displays Ornelas’ comfort with pitchers of either handedness. 

Defensively, Ornelas isn’t going to be a Gold Glover. His speed is average to just below average, and his arm rates out as average as well. Despite this, Ornelas has a sneaky athleticism that has allowed him to play all three outfield positions. In 2024, he saw time at all three outfield spots, as well as ten games at first base. His versatility could be useful to the Padres, but his primary position is left field, from which he had two outfield assists in 2024. His fielding is not his calling card, but he has the athleticism to play an average to solid left field at the MLB level. 

Future: Clearly, Ornelas is a prospect who needs more time to develop fully compared to some of the wunderkinders who have been through the Padres’ system. Despite his slower progression through the system, it appears that the additional development has allowed Ornelas to really sharpen his tools. The on-base ability will certainly play at the MLB level, but Ornelas’ power and slugging ability will be tested by how his long, slugging swing fares against MLB-caliber pitching. The Padres clearly have some faith in the 24-year-old, having added him to the 40-man roster midseason, so look for Ornelas to be given a chance to win the left field job in the spring. While his floor is that of a three-true-outcome slugger, he has the potential to be a consistent 15-20 home run corner outfielder with the ability to lead off, thanks to his plate discipline.

MLB ETA – 2025

 

15. Juan Nunez, RHP (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: MLB Rule 5 Draft, December 2024

Highest Level Reached: High-A

2024 Stats: (2-1), 2.45 ERA (3.42 FIP), 29.1 IP, 38 K, 10 BB (32.2% K rate | 8.5% BB rate)

Past: Originally signed by the Twins, Nunez was a late bloomer in the amateur ranks, making his DSL debut at age 20. His performance was enticing, prompting the Orioles to acquire him as part of a four-player return for then-closer Jorge Lopez in 2022. Nunez had an up-and-down tenure with the O’s in 2022 and 2023, flashing electric stuff but concerning control problems. Between three levels in the Orioles’ system, Nunez never had a walk rate below 10% despite carving up opposing batters to the tune of strikeout rates as high as 31.2%. 

Present: 2024 saw Nunez open the season with High-A Aberdeen, where he made seven appearances (four starts). In that small sample of 29.1 innings, Nunez was dominant, posting a 2.45 ERA and striking out 32.2% of opposing batters. He only walked 8.5% of opponents as well, his lowest mark in a season since 2021. Nunez looked poised to have a breakout season, but it ultimately did not come to be, as the right-hander went down with a shoulder issue and was ruled out for the year all the way back in May. 

Nunez’s pitches have value at the MLB level, as his four-seamer can reach the high 90s while averaging between 93-95 on average with a run. While there are no iVB numbers (as he has not yet played in a park with Statcast tracking), the Padres are clearly intrigued by the pitch’s profile. His strongest pitch, according to scouts, is his sweeper, which generates plenty of swings and misses from opponents, regardless of which side of the plate they swing. Pair that with a tighter gyro-slider, and Nunez has ways to go after right-handed batters effectively. While the right-hander also possesses a changeup, it is his least refined offering. While the pitch’s fade and arm side run are significant to the point it produces ugly swings from left-handed hitters, Nunez’s ability to tunnel the pitch is not on par with his slider, which leaves him vulnerable to walks on the changeup. 

Future: Being a Rule 5 player, Nunez has to stick on the Padres’ MLB roster for the duration of the season, or at least for 90 days on the active roster if he spends time on the injured list. His arsenal has high upside, and coming from his low three-quarter arm slot, he has the potential to carry his elite strikeout rates as he goes up to the Majors. However, his size and the aggressive nature of his pitching motion raises reliever risk for the young right-hander. Considering the velocity and whiff potential of his pure stuff, Nunez could be a solid long reliever for the 2025 Padres with the potential to eventually become a late-inning arm (see Adrian Morejon), but this all hinges on how well his velocity and control return from the shoulder injury. 

MLB ETA – 2025

 

14. Bradgley Rodriguez, RHP (Age 21 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agent, 2021

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: (2-1), 2.64 ERA (3.23 FIP), 61.1 IP, 75 K, 31 BB (29.5% K | 12.2% BB)

Past: Signed out of Venezuela by the Padres in 2021, Rodriguez had a rude awakening to pro ball, posting a 6.20 ERA in 24.2 innings. Shoulder and right elbow issues slowed the right-hander between 2022 and 2023, but he returned to health in time to deliver 20 innings in the Venezuelan Winter League. While the results were not sparkling by any means (5.40 ERA, 7.2 BB/9), those appearances were a sign of health for the right-hander or a sign he was nearing full health. 

Present: If any one reliever prospect in San Diego’s farm system was an unknown who burst onto the scene, it was Rodriguez. His arsenal has been fantasized about, with a near triple-digit fastball and excellent changeup that sequences well off the heater. This season, across three levels, he came exactly as advertised. 

High-90s fastball? Check. A devastating changeup that falls off the table? Check. Opening the season with a brief stint with Single-A, the majority of Rodriguez’s season was spent with High-A Fort Wayne. In 29 outings with the TinCaps, Rodriguez was arguably the team’s best reliever, tossing 41.2 innings and posting a 2.59 ERA. Rodriguez’s biggest development was his return to health, but his strikeout stuff was a welcome one as well. In those 41.2 innings, he punched out 25.7% of batters against a walk rate of 13.1%. The walks were higher than average for a relief prospect, but considering Rodriguez’s status as returning to full health, his command is still a tool in development. It is worth noting that as the season progressed, Rodriguez walked fewer batters in his outings. In his final 25.1 innings, Rodriguez walked only 11 batters, compared to 20 in his first 36. 

Rodriguez’s command and swinging strike rates were impressive at Single-A and Double-A, partly due to the small sample. That’s not to say he didn’t pitch well for High-A Fort Wayne, as he pitched more than three outs in 14 of 29 appearances. He also tossed 14.1 innings at Double-A San Antonio to round out the season, striking out a whopping 35% of opposing batters in that short span. Most notably, Rodriguez was able to maintain his velocity with the Missions after 47 innings between Lake Elsinore and Fort Wayne. 

Future: Rodriguez’s outlook is crystal clear: late-inning reliever. The biggest question for this electric right-hander is his health and durability. He is quite young, at only 21 years old as of the time of Opening Day, so he has plenty of time to continue to reel in his command, as he showed at Double-A. It is not yet known whether the Padres look to keep him as a multi-inning fireman or limit him to one-inning outings to monitor his workload. His pure stuff gives him the ceiling of a Robert Suarez-like pitcher, especially with the pitch mix and velocity parallels. The Padres organization doesn’t usually allow their higher-end relief prospects to face the Pacific Coast League. There is a possibility Rodriguez sees MLB time in 2025, but it is more likely that he will continue to develop and mature as a pitcher in the minors before arriving in the Majors in 2026.

MLB ETA – Late 2025 or 2026

 

13. Francis Pena, RHP (Age 24 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agent, January 2022

Highest Level Reached: Triple-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: (5-4), 2.43 ERA (3.16 FIP), 63 IP, 64 K, 18 BB (25.1% K | 7.1% BB)

Past: When searching for the phrase “meteoric rise” in a dictionary, a picture of Francis Pena is beside it. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in January 2022, Pena made his stateside debut in 2023 and promptly showed out as one of the best-value signings of the signing period. Over 34.2 minor league innings in 2023, Pena was, for lack of a better term, otherworldly. Armed with a high-90s fastball that has at times hit 100 mph and a devilish cutter in the low-90s that tunnels seamlessly. Minor league batters whiffed at alarmingly high rates (for them) on the cutter, setting up Pena to be a fast riser in San Diego’s system come 2024.

Present: Wouldn’t one know it, but Pena was indeed a fast riser through the Padres’ system. Pena found himself pitching at three different levels for the Padres in 2024, with 21 innings at High-A, 26.2 innings with Double-A, and his final 15.2 innings came with Triple-A El Paso. It wasn’t out of necessity that Pena was promoted; his performance truly justified it. Peña posted a 0.86 ERA with High-A Fort Wayne, and his 2.05 ERA, 2.46 FIP, and 65.6% ground ball rate with Double-A truly announced his arrival for the season. Peña also struck out more batters with San Antonio, posting a 29.2% strikeout percentage over his 26.1 frames there. 

The Pacific Coast League provided the first true challenge for the right-hander, as opponents struck out less than at Double-A. Peña’s relative struggles with the El Paso Chihuahuas came due to, unsurprisingly, an uptick in home runs allowed. He still kept opponents hitting grounders 54.5% of the time, and if there was more reason for optimism, a 25% home run to fly ball ratio is unsustainable in a larger sample size, especially if his games were in an environment like Petco Park. 

Peña thrives thanks to an unconventional but effective two-pitch mix, headlined by a high-90s fastball. The heater pairs high velocity with a deceptive release point, as Peña opens his delivery from the first base side of the mound before opening up upon delivery, almost releasing from the third base side of the rubber. Peña makes the most use of his long frame, generating roughly seven feet of extension. Combined, these factors add up to a very uncomfortable time for opposing batters and a strong platform for Peña en route up the minor league ladder. 

Future: Peña is the kind of arm who, on the surface, profiles as a late-inning reliever, but his pitch mix and ability to differentiate the arsenal will establish how high his ceiling gets. A fastball-cutter combo presents a high potential for strikeouts and chases outside of the zone, but if the cutter flattens out, then Peña is at higher risk of opposing batters teeing off. His ability to generate ground balls is valuable, and if Peña can make it to the majors, he has the ceiling of a setup reliever with swing-and-miss stuff who, in all likelihood, will find himself in the Padres’ bullpen in 2025.

MLB ETA – 2025

 

12. Kavares Tears, OF (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 4th Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: ACL Padres

2024 Stats: Yet to make Pro Debut

Past/Present: A two-year player for the Tennessee Volunteers, Tears broke out in a major way before the 2024 Draft. The left-handed hitting Tears performed well in limited playing time in 2023, seeing time primarily in right field in 16 of 17 appearances. With the Vols’ outfield seeing major departures after the campaign, Tears secured the starting right field job in 2024 and went on to put his tools on display in a major way. After hitting two home runs in 56 at-bats in 2023, Tears hit 20 in 244 at-bats, slashing .324/.427/.643 for a 1.070 OPS. This performance led to his selection in the fourth round of the MLB Draft by the Padres, who were clearly interested in what he brings to the table. 

Tears is not the prototypical slugging corner outfielder, as he has both an ability to handle center field and alarmingly strong bat speed. Tears did not play as a platoon bat, facing both left and right-handers, and he was able to drive the ball to all fields. His swing is relatively flat as opposed to the now-conventional uppercut-esque swing, and this allows him to generate line drives consistently. 

His speed and fielding tools may not be as highly rated as his offensive ones, but Tears still has plenty of athleticism, enough to be able to handle center field in the eyes of evaluators. Despite relatively average speed, Tears can fly once he gets going, be it on the basepaths or on the field. 

Future: Tears has yet to make his professional debut, which will happen in 2025. Likely to open the season in the Complex League or with Single-A Lake Elsinore, Tears has the athleticism to play at any outfield position, with a yet-to-be-determined offensive ceiling. As with many recent draftees from Tennessee, Tears has the work ethic that sets him both apart from the pack and on a path to success.

MLB ETA – 2029

 

11. Kale Fountain, 3B (Age 19 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 5th Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Yet to make Pro Debut

Past/Present: In three seasons of high school ball, Kale Fountain made his mark in the Nebraska prep school history books, breaking the state’s prep school career home run record. Finishing his prep school career with 31 homers in four seasons, six higher than the previous record, Fountain was heavily recruited entering draft season. His stock was so high in recruiting circles that NCAA powerhouse LSU had their eyes set on him before the draft. A.J. Preller and his staff certainly saw the upside, too, as even though he was taken in the fifth round, the team paid him a second-round level signing bonus of $1.7 million to skip college and go pro. 

Coming in at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Fountain has the build of a power hitter with an uphill swing to lift the ball into the air. When paired with his strong quality of contact and penchant for avoiding strikeouts, his offensive instincts impress for such a young player. His defensive fit is murkier, as his size appears better suited for first base, but it is too soon to fully conclude where he will fit permanently. Fountain’s work ethic has been praised by scouts, and if accurate, he could remain at third base long term.

Future: Kale Fountain is definitely a player to watch in 2025. Likely to make his debut with the Arizona Complex League, Fountain has the intangibles and raw power to project as a bat-first third baseman with the potential for above-average defense thanks to his frame. His swing is one that will certainly be tested against higher levels of competition, and it is too soon to begin the discussion surrounding him as a DH-type. The upcoming season will certainly provide more clarity on what the Padres have taken a chance on with Fountain. 

MLB ETA – 2029

 

10. Henry Baez, RHP (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agency, July 2019

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Cumulative Stats: (7-4), 2.99 ERA (3.85 FIP), 126.1 IP, 109 K, 40 BB (21.1% K | 7.8% BB)

Past: A former international signee of the Padres’ 2019 international free agency class, Baez entered the 2024 season as a player on the fringes of Top 30 consideration. The right-hander showed strikeout potential at two levels in 2023, posting a strikeout rate of 23.3% but with a troubling 10.8% walk rate. Baez was considered somewhat of a “raw” prospect, having lost two seasons of professional development as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic canceling the 2020 minor league season. In 2023, Baez struck out 99 in 98.1 innings, putting himself on the map as a rising arm in the San Diego system, set to open the 2024 season at High-A Fort Wayne. 

Present: Baez took the mound 17 times for High-A Fort Wayne, his first full stint at the level. In one of the harder minor league transitions, Baez showed no sweat at all, posting a 2.95 ERA, 3.30 FIP, and 78 strikeouts in 76.1 innings. Unlike the previous season, which saw Baez walk over 10% of opposing batters, the right-hander was throwing more of his pitches for strikes, walking 7.9% of opponents in that span. There was still some concern regarding his ability to go deeper into games, as Baez averaged 4.49 innings a start in his High-A stint. The 22-year-old was then promoted to Double-A San Antonio on the heels of his strong 17 starts and went on to start nine games for the Missions, tossing 50 innings. Now facing higher levels of competition, Baez gave a performance that was strong on the surface, posting a 3.06 ERA with a 7.5% walk rate and 57.3% ground ball rate. Surface statistics portrayed his performance as strong, but some of his other metrics gave cause for concern. While he struck out 24.8% of batters at High-A, that went down all the way to a 15.4% strikeout rate at Double-A. 

Despite the downtick in strikeouts, his arsenal flashed some potential that is promising for a starter’s role. His strongest pitch is his fastball, with a sinker profile and strong armside run that tops out at 94-95 mph. While Baez’s fastball likely profiles better in shorter stints, he has been able to locate the pitch well for ground balls. He compliments this power sinker with a breaking ball in the upper 70s, which Baez himself refers to as a curveball. The pitch has slider-like qualities at times, especially when it reaches 79-82 mph, so differentiating the curveball from the slider would be something to watch out for. Regardless of which variation is thrown, the pitch has more vertical drop than horizontal break. His third offering is a splitter in the mid-80s, sitting usually at 85 mph. While some view it as a changeup, Baez refers to the pitch as a split-finger, and the pitch has shown flashes of potential, with a good amount of armside run, but it is still very much in the developmental stages. 

Future: Baez is still somewhat raw as a starting pitcher, with 2024 being his first season without a relief appearance. His pure stuff is definitely some of the most intriguing in the Padres’ pipeline, and as he was added to the 40-man roster in November 2023, the team has plenty of belief in what he can provide for them, even as soon as 2025. 

The soon-to-be 23-year-old will likely start out the season at Double-A once more, but his role may be determined by his spring performance. The organization will likely want to see how his stuff plays in game situations before determining his role since the north-south movement profile of his arsenal points to reliever risk with Baez. 2025 will likely be the campaign that determines his future role, and as a pitcher who wants to be the next man up when the team needs his services, the right-hander is set for a pivotal season in his career.

MLB ETA – Late 2025 or Early 2026

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9.Isaiah Lowe, RHP (Age 21 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 11th Round, 2022 MLB Draft

Highest Level Reached: High-A

2024 Stats: (7-6), 3.33 ERA (3.77 FIP), 105.1 IP, 111 K, 46 BB (24.8% K Rate | 10.6% BB Rate)

Past: Finding value in the later rounds of the draft has been a strength of the San Diego scouting department, and Isaiah Lowe is another example. The right-hander was committed to playing collegiately at North Carolina, but with the Padres liking what he could be and having savings from earlier picks signing below slot value, Lowe was taken in the 11th round of the 2022 Draft. The right-hander was set to make his professional debut in 2023 and made three starts with Single-A Lake Elsinore to open the season. The early results looked incredibly promising, as he posted a 1.59 ERA while striking out 34.7% of opponents in a small sample of 11.1 innings. However, his season hit a major snag when he was placed on the 7-day IL on May 5 with a shoulder injury, ultimately missing four months of the season. Lowe returned in late August with an inning of work for the Rookie League Padres but was ultimately shut down for the season after his shoulder did not bounce back as expected. The right-hander underwent a shoulder procedure after the season and looked to show what he was truly capable of in 2024.

Present: After an offseason of recovery, Isaiah Lowe returned to the mound, starting the season again with Single-A Lake Elsinore. His time in the California League was nothing short of spectacular, as Lowe flashed the potential San Diego saw when they selected him. Starting 13 of 17 appearances, the right-hander started the season slowly, but when given a full-time starting role in early June, his performance took off. Prior to June, Lowe had pitched 25.1 innings of 4.41 ERA baseball, with two long relief appearances out of eight games pitched. Something seemed to click for Lowe in his June 1 outing, as in long relief, Lowe delivered 6.1 innings of one-hit, one-run baseball, striking out eight batters. From that point onwards, Lowe pitched with the performance and preparation of an ace, posting a 2.31 ERA and 52-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 46.2 innings. Lowe had his velocity back, and his delivery was much more consistent as the year went on. The Padres and Lowe worked on “getting his arm in a better slot,” and the minor mechanical changes that were made bore positive results, as Lowe’s delivery became smoother, relying less on the arm to drive the ball to the plate. This, in turn, led to decreased stress on Lowe’s arm, allowing him to complete the season without missing time due to injury. Lowe was promoted to High-A Fort Wayne at the conclusion of July, in time to make seven starts for the TinCaps. In 33.1 innings at High-A, Lowe saw early success, but his overall numbers were dragged down as a result of two five-run outings. However, Lowe did see a dip in strikeouts when facing harder competition, striking out only 14.9% of opponents in this small stretch. 

His arsenal is intriguing to evaluators, as it isn’t the deepest, but his pitches are quality offerings with some projectability. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s and has at times reached 97 mph with late life and above-average vertical movement. The pitch generates rise and run, which should lead to more whiffs on the fastball as he continues to get more innings under his belt. His main breaking ball is a slider in the 80s, which possesses strong vertical movement. While, at times, the pitch blends into cutter territory, differentiating it will give him a solid secondary offering. His third pitch is a changeup, one mainly used against left-handed batters. The pitch is hard for a changeup, and generates some off-balance swings, but does not project to be more than average. 

Future: Isaiah Lowe remains one of the Padres farmhands with a high upside on the mound. Lowe has shown some polish to be a back-end starter at the Major League level. His pitches play well off one another, but he is still a ways away from the Majors. Like some other arms in the San Diego system, Lowe will need to improve his command to remain a viable starter long-term. Likely to open the 2025 season at High-A, there is a chance that Lowe will reach Double-A by the season’s end, with an MLB debut not too far away after the season.

MLB ETA – 2026

 

8.Braden Nett, RHP (Age 22 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent, August 2022

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Stats: (5-2), 3.88 ERA (3.98 FIP), 65 IP, 73 K, 40 BB (25.5% K Rate | 14% BB Rate)

Past: Signed as an undrafted free agent in August 2022, Braden Nett didn’t really have a full season until 2024. His first season was three innings long with the ACL Padres back in 2022 after signing out of Missouri’s St. Charles Community College. His first full campaign showed some promising signs, but a shoulder injury limited his availability, holding him to 40.1 innings in the regular season and 17.1 innings in the Arizona Fall League. While his ERA was not the most pristine in the AFL, his strikeout stuff earned him a Fall Stars Game nod. Nett was strong when healthy but struggled against left-handed batters, as his changeup was very raw compared to his fastball and slider, prompting questions about his role in the upcoming season. 

Present: Opening the 2024 season as a starter with High-A Fort Wayne, Nett was initially held on a pitch count to ease his transition back into starting after 2023’s shoulder injury. Nett did miss a month of the season from a stint on both the development list and the injured list due to elbow soreness, and he was still not at full strength when returning at the start of June. Over the first three months of the season, Nett flashed his strong strikeout stuff but continued to struggle due to inconsistent command. In his 20.2 innings of the season, the right-hander posted an unfathomable 8.71 ERA, striking out 25 while walking 13. His season looked as good as done after July 23 against Lake County, with Nett failing to escape the first inning, allowing five runs. 

His season took a major turn in his very next outing, as Nett went five shutout innings against Dayton, and the right-hander took off from there. From July 30 to the end of the season, Nett went at least four innings in eight of nine starts. The increase in innings pitched saw an uptick in strikeouts as well, as Nett punched out 53 in his final 44.1 innings of the season against 27 walks. The swing-and-miss arsenal he was developing with Padres coaches showed out in the second half, as Nett had five or more strikeouts in six of his final nine starts of the season, with the highlight of this stretch being a ten-strikeout performance against Peoria on August 24. Nett even made his Double-A debut in 2024, with one start at the end of the San Antonio Missions’ season. 

Nett has seen some of the largest season-to-season strides in development down on the farm. After struggling to put away left-handers in the AFL, Nett came back with an improved split-changeup and cutter, both of which sat in the mid-80s in terms of velocity. The changeup showed more arm side fade than in 2023, although it is still his least projectable offering, likely to be average at best. This may be rendered moot by the development of his cutter, which also sits in the mid-80s and has shown stronger swing-and-miss potential. Since its roots come from his already sharp slider, Nett’s cutter could be the offering to take his arsenal to the next level. The curveball is his secondary breaking pitch, and this offering showed an ability to confuse opposing batters. Coming from the same arm slot as his fastball and slider, there is plenty to like about the pitch. Even if the curve ends up as an average offering, it could be something that allows him to remain a starter. His bread and butter are the fastball and slider, both of which are some of the most electrifying in the San Diego system. Nett’s fastball sits in the mid-90s regularly, with the ability to top out at 99 mph, and yes, he was hitting high=90s in the later innings of his starts at times. The fastball carries an average of 18 inches of induced vertical break, which would rank as above-average to elite for an MLB starter. With plenty of sinking action from Nett’s three-quarter slot, Nett generates swings-and-misses at the top of the zone, which tunnels almost seamlessly with his mid-to-high 80s slider. The pitch has a hard version in the upper 80s and a more sweeping variation that averages 84 mph with significant horizontal movement. The slider has been the strongest pitch in his career, and seeing Nett flesh it out more in 2024 bodes well for his development. 

Future: Clearly, the Padres organization is high on Nett and the potential of his raw stuff, which prompted the team to give him an MLB Spring Training invite for 2025. Nett’s rounded arsenal and strong second-half performance position him as someone who could start long-term, and his age is certainly in his favor as well. The right-hander will need to continue to improve his ability to throw strikes, as a 14% walk rate from a starting pitcher would be unsustainable long-term (it has only happened 18 times at the MLB level in the Wild Card Era, with those pitchers averaging an 84 ERA+). If Nett is able to find the strike zone with increasing regularity, he has the potential to be a mid-rotation starter due to his velocity and the thorough nature of his arsenal. Entering the 2024 campaign, Nett carried some reliever risk due to his struggles against left-handed batters, and while those are not entirely behind him, the floor for the right-hander is a middle-to-late inning arm on the strength of the fastball-slider combo. 

MLB ETA – 2026

 

7. Victor Lizarraga, RHP (Age 21 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agency, March 2021

Highest Level Reached: Double-A

2024 Stats: (5-6), 4.03 ERA (3.96 FIP), 96 IP, 104 K, 42 BB (25.1% K Rate | 10.1% BB Rate)

Past: He signed out of Mexico for $1 million in the 2021 international signing period. Lizarraga was seen as one of the more mature arms in the signing period despite his young age. San Diego clearly believed so, as he tossed 30 innings in his debut 2021 season. Lizarraga has moved up the minor leagues fairly quickly, spending 2022 with Single-A and 2023 with High-A. While his velocity has never been the most overpowering, he has shown an understanding of how to pitch. Lizarraga has continually shown an ability to limit barrels, with ground ball rates nearing 50% in his first two full professional seasons before 2024. The right-hander’s performance has earned him some acclaim in past seasons, as Lizarraga was a 2022 Padres organizational All-Star. 

Present: Entering the season assigned to Double-A San Antonio, Lizarraga delivered a steady presence in the Missions’ rotation. Despite making his debut at a new level, his season was almost a carbon copy of his 2023 performance. In 96 innings over 21 starts, Lizarraga struck out 25.1% of opposing batters while walking 10.1%. The right-hander allowed fewer hits in 2024 while walking eight more batters in a very comparable sample size. The summer months were his best stretch of the season, as Lizarraga posted a 3.37 ERA in ten starts between June and July, striking out 59 compared to 21 walks. In this stretch, the right-hander went five or more innings in seven of his ten games. 

Lizarraga’s biggest development was his ability to get outs in any way. While his fly ball rates went up compared to his time in the Midwest League, Lizarraga continued to generate infield flies and weak fly balls. His strikeout stuff returned to form after seeing a downturn in 2023. With his 6-foot-3 frame, he was able to bring his fastball velocity up on average to 89-92 mph, and his curveball remained as sharp as ever. 

Evaluators and scouts have mixed feelings about his slider and changeup; some scouts see these pitches as subpar, while others view them as possibly average offerings. Lizarraga’s slider, while still being a work in progress, gives him a pitch with horizontal movement that tunnels well off his fastball. The pitch’s velocity (79 mph average) seems to indicate it’d function better as a sweeper if the horizontal break is able to be improved, and this sort of pitch profile would compliment the right-hander’s changeup. Sitting in the low 80s, the pitch gives Lizarraga an option against left-handed batters, as he held them to a .260 batting average on the season. 

Future: Having concluded the 2024 season at Double-A, there is a very realistic possibility that Lizarraga will open the 2025 season at Triple-A. The biggest question for the right-hander was about finding his strikeout stuff, and it seems he has found the answer in the past season. While his arsenal has questions about its playability multiple times through the order, Lizarraga has proven that he can make the most of his stuff against opposing batters. While his floor is that of a back-end starter or long reliever, his ceiling will be defined by how much more improvement his secondary offerings see in the coming season. He does have a chance, albeit an outside chance, to make the Majors in 2025, and a late-season call-up could be in the cards should he perform well against PCL opposition.

MLB ETA – 2025

 

6. Humberto Cruz, RHP (Age 18 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agency, February 2024

Highest Level Reached: Complex League (Rookie)

2024 Stats: (0-0), 0.00 ERA (4.20 FIP), 2 IP, 2 K, 1 BB

Past: One of the highest touted pitching prospects of the 2024 international amateur signing class, the Padres organization liked Cruz’s stock to the point where they traded Blake Dickerson, their 2023 12-round selection, to the Detroit Tigers to secure the international signing bonus funds to sign the Mexican-born right-hander. Cruz pitched in the U-18 World Cup in late 2023, undoubtedly raising his prospect stock with two strong performances, including a strong performance against South Korea. 

Present: Cruz signed with San Diego in January for $750,000 and, entering the season at 17 years old, was not expected to see significant action in the 2024 season. Cruz was not assigned to the Dominican Summer League, instead spending his first professional season in the Arizona Complex League in developmental camp. Throughout the season, his velocity became a storyline to monitor, as the right-hander was throwing in the upper 80s during the fall of 2023. However, since signing with San Diego, his velocity has been averaging 94 mph on his fastball- at 17 years old. The pitch isn’t just velocity, as the offering has shown heavy sinking action to the arm side, indicating it could allow him to generate sufficient ground balls and limit hard contact as he moves up the pipeline, While Cruz is listed at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, he has maintained a fluid delivery allowing him to maximize his velocity from his frame. There is no doubt that he may gain some added velocity as he adds muscle, but the results on his fastball thus far are impressive. 

His breaking and off-speed pitches, while not as far along in their development as his fastball, remain quality offerings for the right-hander’s age. His changeup, thrown in the low to mid-80s, carries a strong arm-side run that could develop into a plus pitch over time. He also features a breaking ball in the upper 70s that, while it lacks certainty in how to define it, possesses strong vertical drop. The offering has the potential to be a strong sweeper/slider with the proper differentiation, and fully rounding out his arsenal in game situations is the next step for the right-hander. 

Future: One of the most polished pitching prospects from the 2024 international class,  Cruz has an opportunity to emerge as a top pitching prospect in the game after a strong 2025 campaign. With his limited professional experience, it is likely he will see time at both the Rookie and Single-A levels in the upcoming season. Cruz has the makeup of a starting pitcher in both the short and long term, and while he is years away from the Majors, the wait could be well worth it for the Padres if they manage his development properly.

MLB ETA – 2029/2030

 

5. Cobb Hightower, SS (Age 19 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 3rd Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Yet to Make Pro Debut

Past/Present: In every draft, A.J. Preller and his staff identify a prep player bursting with talent whom they select outside the first round. Cobb Hightower might be the very next one. In his final season of high school ball in North Carolina, Hightower hit .462 and slugged .856 and was committed to play for the University of North Carolina before being selected. San Diego’s offer of $852,300, slot value for the 88th overall pick. 

Hightower isn’t the largest in terms of size at shortstop, being six feet tall, but his bat is one that has impressed many in his amateur career. He showcased impressive bat speed at spring workouts before the draft, and his quality of contact looks to be a sustainable part of his game. His offensive ceiling is not yet fully defined, but based on evaluations and game film, there is plenty to like about his power and speed combo. Hightower’s speed and athleticism are qualities that make a difference at the plate and the basepaths, but also on the field, giving him above-average range at shortstop. 

Future: Hightower’s first step towards MLB is his professional debut, and he will likely join the Padres’ Arizona Complex League affiliate in 2025. In his first taste of affiliated ball, Hightower will look to establish his offensive tools against higher levels of competition, and if his offensive tools are as advertised, it isn’t a stretch to say he could make it to Single-A by season’s end. There is a chance his defense is not as strong as some other members of the Padres’ farm, so the possibility exists that Hightower’s ceiling is ultimately that of a bat-first second baseman with a strong glove. All risks aside, Hightower will be one of the more exciting young players to watch on an ACL Padres team that looks to be promising in 2025.

MLB ETA – 2029

 

4. Boston Bateman, LHP (Age 19 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 2nd Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Yet to Make Pro Debut

Past/Present: High school left-handed starting pitchers who throw in the upper 90s are nearly always labeled as “can’t miss” prospects, and the Padres organization was able to secure two such prospects to kick off the 2024 Draft. Boston Bateman was the second of the two and arguably has some of the best raw stuff of the draft. 

Standing at a towering 6-foot-8 certainly allows the stuff to play up, but a fastball that can touch 97 mph makes a statement all its own. His best pitch currently is his curveball, which carries strong downward movement from a high release point. While Bateman’s height allows the left-hander to possibly generate elite extension off the mound, his lower body mechanics are somewhat raw. Regardless, some evaluators and front-office personnel in other organizations believe that Bateman, at his peak, could flirt with triple-digit fastball velocity. 

Future: After posting a 0.54 ERA in 14 high school games before the draft, Bateman’s pro career will likely begin with the Padres’ Rookie ball affiliate in Peoria in 2025. Bateman has the makeup, velocity, and work ethic to reach the Majors as a starting pitcher. His next steps would be to solidify his tertiary offerings further, as his fastball-curveball combo is a strong foundation for his professional arsenal. Developing his changeup and a possible fourth pitch, paired with syncing his lower body mechanics, will be the true indication of Bateman’s ability to make it as a starter.

MLB ETA – 2030

 

3. Kash Mayfield, LHP (Age 20 on Opening Day)

Acquired: 1st Round, 2024 MLB Draft

Yet to Make Pro Debut

Past/Present: First-round prospects often come with significant buzz entering their professional debuts, and Kash Mayfield is no exception to this line of thinking. The now two-time Oklahoma High School Player of the Year (2023 & 2024) did not pitch in the 2023 summer circuit, but upon his return to the mound in February 2024, he looked like a brand new pitcher. How does a state Player of the Year improve? 

Mayfield added velocity to his entire arsenal, as his upper-80s fastball touched 96 mph in his opening game and, on the whole season, averaged between 92-95 mph. The pitch isn’t as raw as other prep fastballs, as Mayfield has a strong arm=side run, allowing him to locate up and in when need be. His changeup has been applauded by rivals, scouts, and evaluators alike, as it is fairly advanced for Mayfield’s age. The cambio has a late vertical drop and consistently landed in the low 80s, tunneling effectively against his fastball. Mayfield also has a breaking ball in the upper 70s with slurve or sweeper-like movement, but what the pitch lacks in break is made up for by Mayfield’s ability to command the pitch. His command is viewed as above-average at such a young age, and his smooth, repeatable delivery (one which is reminiscent of Andrew Heaney) allows the 6-foot-4 Mayfield to consistently throw strikes. 

Future: Clearly, Mayfield is a very advanced prospect for his age. With his professional debut in the near future, the Padres are looking forward to seeing the potential in games. Given just how polished Mayfield is as a high school prospect, it is possible he doesn’t see too much time in Rookie ball. Regardless of where he starts, the Padres will watch his development with great interest, as Mayfield has one of, if not the highest ceiling of any starting pitcher in the team’s system. While his ceiling remains very high, how he adjusts to pro ball will truly define realistic expectations for this talented left-hander. 

MLB ETA – 2029/2030

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2. Ethan Salas, C (Age 18 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agency, January 2023

Highest Level Reached: High-A

2024 Stats: .206/.288/.311 (.599 OPS, 75 wRC+), 4 HR, 53 RBI, 10 SB

Past: Many words have been used to describe the Padres’ highest signing of the 2023 international signing period, a young catcher by the name of Ethan Salas. Salas made his pro debut later that summer, performing admirably for a 17-year-old catcher across 290 plate appearances. While most of his debut campaign was spent at Single-A Lake Elsinore, Salas saw nine games apiece at High-A and Double-A. San Diego’s player development staff was clearly intrigued by his potential, as the left-handed hitting Salas showed a strong eye at the plate and a quick stroke at the plate, allowing him to hit to all fields. 

Present: Assigned to High-A Fort Wayne to open the 2024 campaign, Salas’ initial success did not come through initially. His offensive output at the start of the season was not at all like his performance at Single-A. While Salas continued to draw his walks, his power and slugging were not as present. Initially, his batting stance saw his knees bent lower than in 2023, which led to Salas getting under the ball much more frequently, sapping his power and producing lazier fly balls. In June, amidst his struggles, Salas traveled to San Diego, and after working with Padres hitting coach Victor Rodriguez and other members of the team’s Major League coaching staff, he returned to Fort Wayne with a taller stance at the plate, which really allowed him to drive the ball with authority. These mechanical adjustments produced a strong end to the season for Salas, who hit .255 with a .737 OPS in August; at points during this stretch, Salas was roping doubles left, right, and center. He still does not strike out above the league-average rate, and a 10% walk rate amidst a difficult season bodes well for his ability to read the zone as a batter. 

His offensive struggles notwithstanding, Salas continued to grow as a catcher, as his full-season stint allowed him to build rapport with his pitching staff, even being entrusted with catching Yu Darvish’s rehab assignment start. Salas also saw improvements in his ability to manage opponents’ running game, throwing out 27% of opposing baserunners. Salas’ strong arm and receiving abilities were in the scouting reports of opponents, and his blocking saw improvement over the course of the campaign as well. Defensively, his ceiling of a Gold Glove-caliber catcher has not waned at all. His quickness and efficiency behind the plate certainly remain a tool to watch, as he has steadily improved there in his brief professional career. 

Future: No two prospects ever follow the same developmental formula, and Ethan Salas’ journey to the Majors will certainly be one to watch. With the adjustments to his batting stance and high slugging in the Arizona Fall League, Salas’ bat could be classified as a sleeping giant waiting to emerge. While Salas played in 111 games in 2024, only 67 of those came at the catcher position, so his durability behind the plate will continue to improve behind the plate as he grows and builds the endurance for the long season. Clearly, his defense remains his strongest present tool, with his offensive ceiling remaining undefined thus far in his young career. Likely to open the season at Double-A, and as a non-roster invitee to MLB Spring Training, Ethan Salas could very well be the Padres’ prophesied catcher of the future; it will just take some time. 

MLB ETA – 2027

 

1. Leodalis De Vries, SS (Age 18 on Opening Day)

Acquired: Amateur Free Agency, January 2024

Highest Level Reached: Single-A

2024 Stats: .237/.361/.441 (.802 OPS, 116 wRC+), 11 HR, 38 RBI, 13 SB

Past: Just one year after signing the top international amateur free agent in Ethan Salas, A.J. Preller did it again, signing shortstop Leodalis De Vries for $4.2 million. De Vries’ athletic profile clearly drew the Padres’ sights, as the 6-foot former point guard showed impressive speed and base running before signing. Furthermore, De Vries showed highly projectable power output from both sides of the plate, and his eye at the plate is remarkably advanced for a player of his age. His bat speed and barrel control both served as skills that projected the young phenom as a player who could be a high-average hitter with plenty of slugging to boot. 

Present: Skipping Complex League entirely, De Vries made his debut with Single-A Lake Elsinore. His start to the season was up-and-down, as he missed 13 days in May due to a minor shoulder injury, and the young man known as “El Mutante” (The Mutant) went through growing pains throughout May and June. By the end of June, De Vries was hitting under the Mendoza line at .196 with a .629 OPS. 

De Vries appeared to hit his stride in July, as he posted a .318 batting average, 1.036 OPS, and 18 RBI in the month. His power showed up as well, as De Vries hit eight home runs in 85 at-bats. His eye at the plate kept up as the season went on, and he adjusted to the pitching of the California League, reaching base at a .353 clip in August. While De Vries had cooled down in August relative to his July numbers, a shoulder strain cost him the final month of the season, finishing his season with a .802 OPS and 116 wRC+ in his debut season. 

Future: The sky’s the limit for this top prospect, quite earnestly. De Vries has all the makings of a future MLB All-Star talent, even at such a young age. The plate discipline and barrel control are elements that will certainly help him as he progresses through the minor leagues, facing tougher competition. There is no doubt that De Vries’ ceiling is one of the highest the Padres have seen come through their farm system in many years, but there is still lots of room for growth for the 18-year-old. Likely to open the season at High-A Fort Wayne, De Vries will look to find further consistency at the plate in the 2025 season, as his bat will truly define how high his ceiling is.

MLB ETA- 2027

Even in a “weaker” state, the San Diego Padres farm system remains full of talent, and while these players are all at differing stages of their professional careers, their abilities and upside enthrall scouts, teams, and fans alike.