San Diego Padres Top 30 Prospects
Credit: AP Photo
10- Ryan Weathers– LHP 12/17/1999
Acquired: 2018 Draft- First Round
Highest Level: Single-A Fort Wayne
2019 Stats: (3-7) 3.84 ERA/1.240 WHIP 96 IP/90 K
Drafted in 2018 with the Padres first-round selection, Weathers has made steady progress. His first full-season had ups and downs, but for the most part, he was successful. The lefty threw 96 innings for the TinCaps and recorded a 3.84 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. He only walked 18 batters in that time, showing a more aggressive style than the Padres had seen from the past.
Weathers’ velocity has fluctuated early in his pro career. He can throw well into the 90s but typically sits at 91-92 mph. His changeup/curveball combination plays really well as he has a great idea of how to use different planes or angles through the strike zones. Weathers is still only 19, and there is the belief that he will fill out and stabilize his velocity. The bulldog attitude he showed in glimpses this season was refreshing too.
Quotes from a teammate:
Michael Curry: (OF) “He is on the verge of something special. He got a taste of adversity this season and responded very well. It was satisfying seeing him persevere through it. I am excited to see what he does with the rest of his career. He is going to pitch in the big leagues one day.”
Blake Hunt: (C) “Weathers has some of the best stuff I’ve seen from someone his age. He thrives in big-time situations with a ton of confidence. Ryan has developed his secondary pitches over the last two years equally, and he can throw both in any count. I have no doubt, he has the makeup and talent to pitch in the big leagues.”
An experts evaluation:
Lance Brozdowski: (AP Sports and Baseball Prospectus) “While some may choose to summarize Weathers’ 2019 with his early battle with a dead arm, it’s more insightful to point out the emergence of his slider as his new third pitch. He spent the offseason working with his father, former Cincinnati Red David Weathers, and the result was a small modification to his curveball grip. This gave his feature breaking ball a more lateral plane and better opportunity to tunnel with his fastball. He now possesses an average changeup, an average fastball that creeps higher due to his control and this slider — a true three-pitch mix heading into his age-20 season. His ceiling is average unless there’s more velocity with a lower-half adjustment and increased extension. For Weathers to produce consistent 2-2.5 fWAR at peak would be a success.”
9- Owen Miller– INF 11/15/1996
Acquired: 2018 Draft- Third Round
Highest Level: Double-A Amarillo
2019 Stats: .785 OPS (.290/.355/.430) 13 HR/28 Doubles 46 BB/86 K
Miller is not spectacular in any way on the baseball field, but he does everything well. The right-handed hitter is blessed with a linear swing that generates line drives all over the diamond. Power is not his forte, but he is showing the ability to hit the ball out of the park occasionally. His swing is very compact, and Miller has a great eye at the plate.
He is not regarded as a speed burner but has plus baserunning skills. The former Illinois State infielder can play multiple positions on defense. He has performed all over the place featuring soft hands and exceptional footwork with the glove. At 23, Miller is very close to Major League action. He could get some serious time at second base eventually for the Padres if everything breaks his way. A very consistent player, and that usually dictates a decent major league career.
Quotes from a teammate:
Brad Zunica: (1B) “A guy who grinds out at-bats and someone you can count on in a big situation. He is the same guy day in and day out.”
AJ Kennedy: (C) “He really impressed me this year. He has the ability to really handle the bat and hold it down on defense. He dominated that league (Double-A/Amarillo) for being a young guy.”
An experts evaluation:
Jim Callis: (MLB Pipeline) “To jump to Double-A in his first full pro season and hit as well as Miller did was impressive, especially considering he was seeing a lot of time at a new position (second base). He might be more of a good utilityman than a first-division regular, but there are some Paul DeJong parallels there.”
8- Michel Baez– RHP 01/21/1996
Acquired: 2016 International F/A
Highest Level: Major Leagues
2019 Stats: (2-2) 4.17 ERA/1.317 WHIP 41 IP/42 K
Cuban right-handed pitcher Michel Baez was pleasant last year for the Padres at the Major League level. He went 1-1 with a 3.03 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 29 2/3 innings pitched. He features a fastball that sits in the mid-90s comfortably. Because Baez is 6-foot-8, it can be tough to judge the baseball out of his hand while batting. He repeats his motion very well for his size, which indicates he should have a long shelf life.
The power-pitcher has three offspeed pitches, including a slider, curveball, and a changeup. There are debates on which of these three are the most promising. Most would say the slider or changeup. Baez was used out of the pen in 2019 and really failed to utilize his third and fourth pitch during an outing. There are whispers he could return to the rotation, but he was very useful out of the pen last season for San Diego. Either way, his minor league days appear to be over. There is an outside chance the Padres stretch him out this spring and have him start games at the Triple-A level.
Quotes from a teammate:
Travis Radke- (LHP) “He uses his overpowering fastball and mixes his offspeed stuff well. He has a serious future in Major League Baseball. He attacks hitters relentlessly and displays the confidence needed in a relief role.”
Jacob Nix: (RHP) “He has a lively fastball and a nasty changeup.”
An experts evaluation:
Kyle Glaser: (Baseball America) “The fastball and changeup combo really played well out of the bullpen as expected. Obviously, you see the stuff and want to start it, but with him being hurt to start every year and the breaking balls not really taking steps forward, the signs are pointing to a potential late-inning reliever—which is still a very good outcome and something you need to win games.”
7- Adrian Morejon– LHP 02/27/1999
Acquired: 2016 International F/A
Highest Level: Major Leagues
2019 Stats: (Minors) (0-4) 4.35 ERA/ 1.22 WHIP 36 IP/44 K
Fans got a glimpse of Morejon at the Major League level, and there is a lot to be excited about if you are a fan. The left-handed pitcher features a fastball in the upper 90s in terms of velocity. The 20-year-old features a plus changeup, which he throws with two different grips. The knuckle-change is effective that he utilizes. He has a great idea of how to mix speeds and is developing a very promising curveball.
Health has been a significant issue for Morejon. He has missed time in each of his seasons as a professional. The Padres failed to use him in more than a two-inning stint last season as well. The Cuban pitcher is blessed with plus arm speed but does not have great size. At six-foot-tall, Morejon will always have durability questions attached to his name. There are also some whispers about his heart and mental toughness, which can be a troubling sign. With youth on his side, there is still plenty of time for Morejon to be a successful major league pitcher.
Quotes from a teammate:
Travis Radke- (LHP) “He is continuing to grow as a pitcher. He has a high ceiling as long as he stays healthy and hones his repertoire. He has done a great job of soaking up all the information around him and feeling what works best for him.”
AJ Kennedy: (C) “Has an electric fastball from the left side and disgusting offspeed. He will be even better with age.”
An experts evaluation:
Craig Goldstein: from EVT Podcast, “His stuff pops. 94-97 mph fastball. He also flashes plus potential on his breaking balls.”
6- Xavier Edwards– 2B 08/09/1999
Acquired: 2018 Draft- CBA Pick
Highest Level: Single-A Lake Elsinore
2019 Stats: .771 OPS (.322/.375/.396) 76 Runs/34 SB 44 BB/54 K
Lured away from a commitment to Vanderbilt with a $2.6 million contract, Edwards is developing rather quickly for the Padres. He makes contact easily from both sides of the plate displaying a plus mental approach. There is not a lot of power in his bat, but he makes up for that with speed. Edwards stole 34 bases in 2019 and is capable of more. The Padres would like to see his walk rate climb as he gets older.
Defensively, Edwards can play shortstop or second base. His future seems to be at second base, though, as the Padres have several shortstops ahead of him in the system, including Tatis at the Major League level. At 20, there is plenty to like about this switch-hitting infielder with a terrific baseball IQ.
Quotes from a teammate:
Michael Curry: (OF) “Mature and professional about the way he goes about his business. A quiet guy who seems to be on a mission.”
Lee Solomon: (INF) “X is special. The barrel control is legitimately elite, and his whole approach and game are so mature for his age. He is going to be good for a long time.”
An experts evaluation:
Jim Callis: (MLB Pipeline) ‘I was a bit surprised that Edwards lasted 38 picks in the 2018 draft because he was a middle infielder with hitting ability and well-above-average speed. He has lived up to those scouting reports in his first two years of pro ball. You can quibble with how much power he’s going to have, and whether he’s a second baseman more than a shortstop, but I like him.”
5- Luis Campusano– C 09/29/1998
Acquired: 2017 Draft- Second Round
Highest Level: Single-A Lake Elsinore
2019 Stats: .906 OPS (.325/.396/.509) 15 HR/81 RBIs 52 BB/57 K
The Padres are lucky enough to have several catching options in the minors, and Campusano is currently the best of the bunch. He has a well-rounded game as Campusano is a terrific hitter who is considered a plus defender. The right-handed swing is a bit long at times, but he is showing developing power. The 21-year-old can get a bit too pull-happy, but he has a very nice swing. The .906 OPS he put up this past season in Lake Elsinore was impressive.
The stocky catcher has a plus arm, and he is very aggressive with his throws. He will often throw behind runners and show no fear of making the tosses. In time, Campusano could be a top prospect in the game. He is still only 21 and has made tremendous strides. Most catchers fail to show the ability Campusano displays at this age. He has a plus baseball IQ, and that probably comes from his father, who was a minor leaguer.
Quotes from a teammate:
Aaron Leasher: (LHP) “He is very advanced back there for his age, and you can see the progress he has made throughout the season and his career. Obviously, the guy can hit, the ball sounds different off his bat.”
Olivier Basabe: (INF) ” Lpppoves to win games. Gives you 100 percent each day.”
An experts evaluation:
Kyle Glaser: (Baseball America) “Crazy strong with a really, really good approach at the plate, He has a chance to be a special hitter. The defense has work ahead, but he’s in good shape for his age. He jumped out right away as best position player on this past year’s Lake Elsinore team with room to spare and maintained it. He’s very, very good.”
4- CJ Abrams– SS 10/03/2000
Acquired: 2019 Draft- First Round
Highest Level: Single-A Fort Wayne
2019 Stats: 1.104 OPS (.393/.436/.662) 3 HR/8 Triples/14 SB 11 BB/14 K
Some had concerns if Abrams would be able to handle professional pitching, but he has shown no issues thus far. The speedy left-handed hitter hit .401 in the AZL this season for the Padres. In 32 games, he also showed decent power slugging three homers and producing a .662 slugging percentage. The swing is quick, and he barrels up baseballs very well. There is a lot to be excited about as far as his offensive upside.
Speed will be an essential factor for Abrams as he takes long strides and circles the bases with ease. The 6-foot-2 Abrams smacked eight triples this year in 150 at-bats and will often test the outfield with his propensity to utilize the gaps. Blessed with a plus arm, Abrams can play shortstop but has some footwork issues. With Fernando Tatis Jr. on the roster, there are some whispers that he will play centerfield more in the coming season. That is a position he has some experience playing, and it should not be a problem for the ultra-athletic Abrams.
Quotes from a teammate:
Ripken Reyes: (INF) “A fun guy to watch play the game of baseball. He doesn’t get out and then makes a highlight-reel play on defense- it’s absurd.”
Taylor Lomack: (OF) “A very tough out at the plate and has a lot of range in the infield. A very good teammate and a great locker room guy.”
An experts evaluation:
Jeff Paternostro: (Baseball Prospectus) “Our pre-draft looks weren’t great, with Abrams looking more like a plus athlete with raw baseball skills, especially with the bat. There’s still a lot of offensive development to come here, and he may never have much in the way of pop, but the early pro returns have shown better bat-to-ball than you’d expect. Padres got a small steal with him sliding to sixth.”
3- Luis Patiño– RHP 10/26/1999
Acquired: 2016 International F/A
Highest Level: Double-A Amarillo
2019 Stats: (6-8) 2.57 ERA/1.130 WHIP 94.2 IP/123 K
Electric is a word heard very often when describing Patino’s stuff. The native of Colombia was signed as a shortstop during the 2016-17 international spending spree. While Luis Almanzar and Adrian Morejon got all the press, Patino might turn out to be the best of the bunch signed from that period. The 20-year-old has an upper 90s fastball with a nasty bite and tail to it. He generates terrific arm speed and utilizes a funky leg kick with his motion.
The six-foot pitcher has a swing-and-miss slider that is getting better as he matures. He also throws a slow curveball and is working on a changeup. If he can refine either of those pitches to be above average, he could be a frontline starter when he makes it to the Major Leagues. Patino shows great maturity for a young pitcher and could be a factor for the Padres as early as late 2020.
Quotes from a teammate:
Blake Rogers: (RHP) “He has an electric arm. A great competitor to have pitching for you.”
AJ Kennedy: (C) “He is a competitor on the mound. His stuff is electric. Once he matures a little more, his stuff will become even better than it actually is.”
An experts evaluation:
Jeff Paternostro: (Baseball Prospectus) “We’ve had members of our prospect team make the argument that Patino is the best prospect in the Padres system. I get it. It’s seriously great stuff. There could be four above-average pitches here with a potential plus-plus fastball and change. He was the most impressive arm I saw in the Futures Game—and it’s not easy to stand out there—where the slider also flashed well-above average for me, and the profile overall reminds me of a right-handed Jesus Luzardo. Patino isn’t quite as polished, and thus not as major-league-ready, but he’s one of the best pitching prospects in baseball.”
2- Taylor Trammell– OF 09/13/1997
Acquired: Trade with Cincinnati Reds 07-31-19
Highest Level: Double-A Amarillo
2019 Stats: .677 OPS (.231/.337/.339) 10HR/42 RBI/20 SB 66 BB/121 K
Trammell struggled with consistency throughout his minor league career and that is the biggest factor is determining his ultimate value. He has big-time ability with the bat, where he shows the potential to be a decent power threat when it is all said and done. The left-handed swing is pretty simple, where he uses the whole field. Trammell makes hard contact but will need to shorten up his swing with two strikes and put the ball in play more.
The 6-foot-2 outfielder works the count very well and will take a walk. He commands the strike zone, and that is very exciting for his future. Defensively, the fleet-footed outfielder can track baseballs from gap to gap. He has arm strength issues, and that is the only chink in his armor. The Padres hope that he can stay in centerfield, but if he is forced to a corner outfield spot, he may have enough production with the bat to remain there. Finding consistency will be Trammell’s biggest goal for the 2020 season.
Quotes from a teammate:
Brad Zunica: (1B) ” The happiest guy in the locker room at all times. He gets great reads and makes very loud contact. A fun guy to watch play the game.”
Jacob Nix: (RHP) “Baseball ability aside, he is one of the nicest human beings I have ever met. From our very first encounter with him, he has been an all-around awesome dude. Oh yeah, he is a stud on the field too. He can hit, run, play defense, and comes through in clutch situations.”
An experts evaluation:
Jeff Paternostro: (Baseball Prospectus) “Trammell is one of the more divisive prospects internally at Baseball Prospectus. Well, more accurately, I continue to argue he’s a top-50 national prospect while the rest of the staff yells at me. This year, I will likely have to accede to our recent live looks, which have flashed plus tools, but in an overall package that just hasn’t come together day in and day out in between the lines. I want to believe, though. There is still a fairly safe major league floor here, as the athletic tools are good, and he should hit enough to be a bench outfielder at worse. We don’t really consider organizational context in our reports/rankings, but I think Trammellwas also an ideal change of scenery guy, given how the swing had gone backward in Cinci, and San Diego might be able to get more out of him with some additional instruction/development time.”
1- MacKenzie Gore– LHP 02/24/1999
Acquired: 2017 Draft- First Round
Highest Level: Double-A Amarillo
2019 Stats: (9-2) 1.69 ERA/0.832 WHIP 101 IP/135 K
What more is there to say about this special young talent? He can pound the strike zone with four pitches that all grade above average. Gore also brings a fiery attitude and a determination to be great. The sky is truly the limit for this left-handed pitcher. His fastball sits comfortably in the mid-90s, and he changes speeds off the heater very well. His slider, curveball, and changeup are all equally effective, and most pundits dispute, which is truly his second-best pitch. He can locate all three for strikes and will not back down on the mound.
The pitcher is a master of sequencing as he leaves batters guessing at the plate. Athleticism is another thing that Gore brings to the table as he defends the middle of the field well. In high school, Gore played outfield and hit very well. Some scouts speculate he would have been a top draft pick if he did not pitch. The southpaw will likely make his debut for the Padres in 2020. Gore should be a top-of-the-order starting pitcher for a long time.
Quotes from a teammate:
Blake Rogers: (RHP) “Very polished pitcher both on and off the mound. He’s a great pitcher, worker, and teammate, whether you factor in age or not.”
Jacob Nix: (RHP) “He is the truth. His whole mix of pitches is impressive, and he throws it all where he wants it. Very mature for his age. I admire the way he goes about his business.”
[wpedon id=”49075″ align=”left”]
An experts evaluation:
Jim Callis (MiLB Pipeline) “It’s no secret that I’m a huge Gore fan. To me, there’s no question that he’s the best pitching prospect in baseball right now. He has four potential plus pitches with deception and command, and as a bonus, he’s left-handed. I think he’s up in San Diego pretty quickly in 2020, especially if the Padres are in the playoff hunt.”
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.
enjoyed this post… wish The Padre website had this kid of info on players. even mlb doesn’t give thorough analysis. very cool now the timing is a little late thanks to Preller tading…. so would love to see update and reaction of trade pieces plus thoughts on further moves and or speculation it is really exciting time for us PADRE lifers keep up the great work
thank you for the comments
Long time Padres fan from Belgium over here. I was looking for a new website to get my Padres news fix from after Gaslamp Balk was gutted by the vox media overlords. This looks like a great website. Awesome read and an ideal way to get up to speed with the overflowing Padres minor league system.
Thank you!
Reading through this again, two guys im super excited for is campusano and cantillo! Definetly keeping an eye on them this year.
Great analysis James. No less than 15 of these guys will start in MLB. I love this farm system. Really hope the MLB staff revamp is able to get the most out of them when they get to Petco, which has not happened ( see Hedges, Urias, Cordero, Renfroe).
@James who do you think might move up or down the list in the next six months?
VERY good write up. Very helpful. Thank you for the time and effort, and the amazing depth of work. Did you have to make any adjustments with the trades (e.g. adding/subtracting) or were none of the players still considered prospects (e.g. AA; Urias; Grisham)?
Thank you. Urias, Allen and Grisham are not prospect eligible.
Still waiting for your empirical evidence that Preller has a reputation for cheating and has to overpay in trades (you’re not getting away).
Ha ha ha…..if this is west coast Ryan then, wow, oh the irony when it comes to reputation!! Either way, don’t expect anyone to take you seriously. Your like that dude who walks into a room and ruins it for everyone, all while deeming himself to be the smartest and coolest guy ever. Yiiiiikes ?
Throwing accusations at the GM and then jacknuggetly refusing to back them up like you have is a REALLY good way to get people to not take you seriously. Again, either provide proof or gtfo.
Wrong you’re by the way.
Dear AJ’s Mom/“Ryan”
Reputation: “what somebody is known for”
I am sorry to be the one to say this but your son is certainly known for cheating. No one else in MLB has officially been punished multiple times. Therefore he has a reputation for cheating. Sorry
He also has a reputation for scouting international talent.
And he has a reputation for getting taken in lopsided trades and signings, often in supremely stunning ways.
So this explained by stunning incompetence, or he is weakened and compromised by his reputation, or both.
I am sorry, but I hope he turns it around.
Sorry mullethead but no matter how many times you repeat it, he has no reputation to be weakened and compromised by. I could just as easily say the Marlins are compromised for their reputation for cheating (Carter Capps, Chris Paddack)
Wow, this is fun. Come here to read and comment, yet getting stocked, harassed, incessantly insulted, etc. And, no matter what answer is given, whatever truth, logic, and reason is displaying, receiving only nonsense and insulting responses. Nice.
I answered you. Told you where to look. OTHERS answered you as well, and it is commonsense and perfectly logical that after getting caught and penalized, not once, but twice, for cheating, that a person would have a reputation for…………. cheating. Is there a world where multiple convictions for cheating gives a person a reputation for integrity? But, again, no amount of truth matters, only insults, harassing others, etc. At some point it becomes foolish to try to engage with this crude, oppositional-defiance-of-reality-and-common-decency act.
How many times have you been kicked out of chat rooms and/or comment sections, or the like?
You arrogant little infant. That is not proof. That is your inference of the trades. Inference isn’t proof. No matter how much you want it to be. By your logic I could say that the Red Sox and Marlins cheated us. Notice how all the Tommy John pitchers involved in the trades in question ended up in San Diego.
If you try and lie about Preller and then crawl back into your little hole I will always drag you kicking and screaming out of that hole.
How does it feel being so oblivious?
“You arrogant little infant.” Daaaannnng
That isn’t proof either
We all appreciate your zeal to defend your son, Mrs Preller, but you continue to go way overboard. Maybe now is the time to stop enabling him and shielding him from the consequences of his actions.
@LB stop using the same joke over and over again. It doesn’t work like the condom your dad used.
Sorry Ma’am, you’ll have to do better. Do it for your son! Is that how you taught A.J. to act? Potty mouth much? Some moms will do anything for their kids, but this is crazy!!!
Awesome content! It is amazing how many good prospects entered the Padre System in 2016 via the Draft, International and trades. Preller has been on fire with his drafts since 2016, gaining 2-3 very good players out of each. I also like that SS and OF he signed from International Free Agency this year. Preller is going to keep the Padre Farm stocked going forward even after the 25 man roster finally gets filled top to bottom with good players. When Preller took over the System wide talent level was very low, from the 25 man roster all the way to the DSL. There were a few decent prospects, but not enough to field a future WS Team. There are still a few weak spots on the 25 man roster but after 2020, those will be strengthened and by 2022, there will be intense competition to even make the 40 man roster. I can envision a day where Preller has multiple players stashed at AAA and AA who are in the 22 year old range (currently AJ pushes his 18-20 year olds very fast because the system was so empty at the upper levels. Those days are coming to an end), MLB ready and will be valuable as injury replacements or trade chips. Preller will repurpose his 25 man roster and upper Farm System players to restock the lower Padre levels and development more generations of elite prospects because he has put a dynamic player development system in place. People need to lay-off AJ about Myers and Hosmer’s contracts, everyone makes mistakes. At the time the vision was to build around the former rookie of the year (Myers) who had 30-30 potential, this was sound logical reasoning at the time. Regarding Hosmer, I think Fowler had a lot to do with this signing and the Padre inexperience with signing big FA contracts affected this deal.
One of the best written articles I’ve read on EVT. I’m particularly impressed by the quotes from the players — that must have taken a lot of hard work to put together. Thanks for doing all this Mr. Clark! Since 2016, I’ve learned a great deal about the Padres farm system because of your articles and podcasts. Please keep it up!
Thank you so much for the comments. I really appreciate it. Just trying to keep everyone updated on this team and its farm system.