Organization Grades
Hitting: B ... Pitching: B ... Top-end Talent: A- ... Depth: B ... Overall: B
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Ozzie Albies is here!
Minor League Affiliates
Triple-A: El Paso (Triple A West)
Double-A: San Antonio (Double A Central)
High-A: Fort Wayne (A+ Central)
Low-A: Lake Elsinore (A West)
Rookie: DSL Padres (Dominican Summer League)
Rookie: ACL Padres (Arizona Complex League)
1. Jackson Merrill (SS) ... 6-0, 195 ... L/R ... 20 ... 2021 (1) HS (MD)
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | ACL Padres (Rk_ACL) | 107 | .280/.339/.383 | 9 | 75 | 0.37 | 0/5 |
2022 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 30 | .433/.452/.700 | 3 | 93 | 0.50 | 1/3 |
2022 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 197 | .325/.387/.482 | 9 | 79 | 0.45 | 5/8 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 279 | .280/.318/.444 | 6 | 87 | 0.46 | 10/10 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 187 | .273/.338/.444 | 9 | 87 | 0.72 | 5/5 |
Comments: Tall, advanced INF who is ascending ladder quickly. Reached AA in August and continues to shine with bat and glove. Puts bat to ball with ease while demonstrating keen plate discipline. Hits too many GB but has power potential with strength gains. Increased HR from 6 to 15. Focuses on all-fields hitting. Solid SS with strong arm and saw time at 2B.
Development Path: Given his 187 AB in Double-A, Merrill is likely to return to that level to begin 2024. The Padres are sure to continue to challenge him by playing multiple positions and, as a result, he could get to the majors later in the season. He will work to add muscle and focus on power.
Fantasy Impact: Merrill has the potential to provide positive production in all fantasy categories, regardless of format. Don't focus too much on his present stats, though they are impressive. He could get to 25+ HR while continuing to steal 15+ bases and hit for a .285+ BA.
Upside Grade: 8B
2. Robby Snelling (LHP) ... 6-3, 210 ... 20 ... 2022 (1) HS (NV)
Year | Team (LG) | IP | ERA | WHIP | Ctl | Dom | Cmd | OppBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 51.2 | 1.57 | 1.006 | 2.3 | 10.3 | 4.5 | .201 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 34.2 | 2.34 | 1.212 | 2.9 | 10.4 | 3.6 | .230 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 17.1 | 1.56 | 1.269 | 5.2 | 9.9 | 1.9 | .188 |
Comments: Aggressive, athletic LHP who posted lowest ERA in org and only allowed more than 2 ERA once. Pitched great on three levels with outstanding pitch mix. Pitches above age class with clean delivery and feel for spotting pitches in strike zone. Tough to barrel up with plus CB and dynamic FB up in zone. Keeps ball on ground, but will need better CU.
Development Path: The Padres like to be aggressive with their top prospects and Snelling will likely return to Double-A for 2024 as a 20-year-old. If he continues his dominance at that level, it wouldn't be shocking to see him get to Triple-A by mid-season with an outside chance for the majors by September. All eyes will be on his change-up development.
Fantasy Impact: Name the category and Snelling projects to have an impact. He already has a strong frame and should continue to provide durability and stamina. He could become a #2 starter who misses bats and keeps walks to a minimum.
Upside Grade: 8B
3. Dylan Lesko (RHP) ... 6-2, 195 ... 20 ... 2022 (1) HS (GA)
Year | Team (LG) | IP | ERA | WHIP | Ctl | Dom | Cmd | OppBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 5.0 | 10.80 | 2.200 | 5.4 | 16.2 | 3.0 | .348 |
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 16.0 | 4.50 | 1.313 | 4.5 | 12.9 | 2.9 | .213 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 12.0 | 4.50 | 1.583 | 8.3 | 15.0 | 1.8 | .182 |
Comments: Returned from Tommy John surgery and pitched well, mostly in short stints. Flashes dominance with advanced pitch sequencing and three potential plus offerings. Diving CU may be best in org while FB features carry up in zone. Could add more velocity with more strength. Durability is the main question but could be stud.
Development Path: It would make sense to stretch Lesko out in High-A and let him pitch 4-5 innings per outing. He was able to stay healthy for 2023 and he could be put on the fast track if he maintains his health. Given the aggressiveness with Snelling's promotions, Lesko could follow the same path.
Fantasy Impact: Not even Snelling has Lesko's upside and he could reach his ceiling as a #2 starter. He profiles as a very high strikeout pitcher and should post excellent ERAs once his command/control return to pre-surgery levels.
Upside Grade: 9D
4. Ethan Salas (C) ... 6-0, 185 ... L/R ... 17 ... 2023 FA (FL)
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 191 | .267/.350/.487 | 11 | 70 | 0.42 | 9/5 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 35 | .200/.243/.229 | 5 | 71 | 0.20 | 0/0 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 28 | .179/.303/.214 | 13 | 71 | 0.50 | 0/0 |
Comments: Young backstop who reached AA at age 17. Owns all requisite tools to be standout in short order. Swings quick bat with above average pop and shows instincts to shorten stroke to put ball in play. Can be beaten up in zone with velocity. Makes good contact and doesn’t chase often. Raw defender, however, has strong arm and blocking skills.
Development Path: It is extremely unusual to see a 17-year-old make it to Double-A. Given that, it wouldn't be surprising to see Salas return to High-A to begin 2024. This will give him an opportunity to possibly dominate a level as well as work on the finer nuances of catching. It is possible he reaches San Diego prior to turning 20.
Fantasy Impact: Salas has the potential to be among the top catchers in baseball if and when he realizes expectations. There isn't any doubt about his ability to stick behind the plate, but he offers the offensive production to be OK at other positions. He could get to 20+ HR while hitting .280+ in the majors.
Upside Grade: 9D
5. Drew Thorpe (RHP) ... 6-4, 190 ... 23 ... 2022 (2) Cal Poly
Year | Team (LG) | IP | ERA | WHIP | Ctl | Dom | Cmd | OppBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Hudson Valley Renegades (SAL2) | 109.0 | 2.81 | 1.073 | 2.7 | 11.4 | 4.2 | .204 |
2023 | Somerset Patriots (East2) | 30.1 | 1.48 | 0.659 | 1.5 | 13.1 | 8.7 | .142 |
Comments: Athletic RHP made pro debut, continually improving as season went on. Repeats over-the-top delivery with above-average extension well. 4-seam FB has solid rate profile but needs additional shape development. CU is plus offering and best pitch with plus vertical and horizontal movement. Two-plane breaking SL best breaker. Also throws CT.
Development Path: Thorpe only got into 4 games after his late season promotion to Double-A. A key in the Soto trade, he could be on verge of big league debut, though he likely starts 2024 at Double-A.
Fantasy Impact: Thorpe seemed like he was pitching at 90% early in the year and ramped things up as the summer got warmer, consistently throwing his FB in the 92-94 range. FB shape improvement would really play up CU and SL. 60%+ CU whiff rate, including 55%+ in zone CU whiff rate help carry the strikeouts. This should be a solid mid-rotation arm in a few years.
Upside Grade: 8C
6. Dillon Head (OF) ... 6-0, 185 ... L/L ... 19 ... 2023 (1) HS (IL)
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 51 | .294/.413/.471 | 18 | 82 | 1.22 | 1/3 |
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 54 | .241/.311/.333 | 7 | 81 | 0.40 | 0/1 |
Comments: Elite athlete with exceptional speed who can impact game with legs and CF range. Has Gold Glove potential with above average arm and can chase down balls to gaps. Uses speed effectively, including with beating out GB. Raw hitter and will take time to develop power. Mostly a spray hitter now who goes gap to gap.
Development Path: The Padres are likely to push Head to Low-A to begin his first full season as a pro. Given the raw aspects of his game, he will take several years of work in the minors before surfacing in the majors.
Fantasy Impact: The main question will be the power development. He should have a significant impact with his SB production and he could provide a solid BA given his speed and groundball tendencies. He has the potential to hit at the top of the lineup.
Upside Grade: 8C
7. Samuel Zavala (OF) ... 6-0, 175 ... L/L ... 19 ... 2021 FA (VZ)
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Dominican Padres (Dsl) | 195 | .297/.400/.487 | 14 | 82 | 0.89 | 3/11 |
2022 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 29 | .345/.412/.621 | 12 | 62 | 0.36 | 1/0 |
2022 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 122 | .254/.355/.508 | 13 | 70 | 0.51 | 7/5 |
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 348 | .267/.420/.451 | 20 | 65 | 0.74 | 14/20 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 51 | .078/.161/.098 | 9 | 63 | 0.26 | 0/1 |
Comments: Advanced young OF who finished 2nd in org in BB, though also most K. Struggled in brief taste of High-A. Does many things very well, but no plus tools. Has ability to get to average power with patient approach. Hits well from left side with whippy swing. Puts ball in air consistently with sound bat control. Could evolve into terrific defensive CF.
Development Path: Given he only hit .078 in 51 AB in High-A, he will likely return to that level where he will still be young at age 19. His upside is quite high and the Padres will be patient with his development. Zavala will focus on his plate approach and CF defense.
Fantasy Impact: Zavala may not have any plus tool in his repertoire, but he has the ability to contribute in all fantasy categories. The strikeouts are a concern, but he gets on base consistently and could get to 20+ HR. He also has 20+ SB ability.
Upside Grade: 8D
8. Adam Mazur (RHP) ... 6-2, 180 ... 22 ... 2022 (2) Iowa
Year | Team (LG) | IP | ERA | WHIP | Ctl | Dom | Cmd | OppBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 58.0 | 2.02 | 1.034 | 1.6 | 7.3 | 4.6 | .223 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 38.0 | 4.03 | 1.421 | 1.7 | 10.2 | 6.0 | .292 |
Comments: Wiry RHP with strong repertoire and pitchability. Promoted to AA in mid-July and had workload monitored in first pro season. Throws deep mix of pitches with SL being best of bunch. Can live in fat part of plate too much but can keep hitters off balance with sound CU. May have more velocity in tank with added strength. Exceptional control.
Development Path: Mazur started seven games in Double-A in 2023 and should return to that level. He will likely be stretched out as a starter as he was treated with kid gloves in 2023. Given his penchant for throwing strikes, he could ascend to the majors late in 2024.
Fantasy Impact: Mazur has a high floor given his control and pitchability. He should get to at least a #4 starter with a very good WHIP and ability to eat innings. Though he isn't a strikeout pitcher, he could miss enough bats to be effective in that category.
Upside Grade: 7B
9. Jakob Marsee (OF) ... 6-0, 180 ... L/L ... 22 ... 2022 (6) Central Michigan
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Central Michigan (MAC) | 229 | .345/.467/.550 | 17 | 86 | 1.42 | 7/18 |
2022 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 33 | .212/.447/.303 | 30 | 70 | 1.40 | 0/3 |
2022 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 67 | .254/.419/.463 | 19 | 78 | 1.07 | 2/12 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 400 | .273/.413/.425 | 18 | 80 | 1.06 | 13/41 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 56 | .286/.412/.446 | 16 | 73 | 0.73 | 3/5 |
Comments: Emerging OF who was MVP of AFL after leading MWL in OBP. Led org in SB with aggressive game. Sees lot of pitches with discerning eye and has plus understanding of strike zone. Starting to hit for pop with tweaked swing mechanics, though more about contact and hitting gaps. Plays sound defense in CF with average range and arm.
Development Path: With Soto and Grisham gone, Marsee could get a legitimate opportunity to win a job in spring training. The more likely scenario sees him go to Triple-A to play CF every day despite only 56 AB in Double-A in 2023.
Fantasy Impact: Marsee is one of the more unheralded prospects in all of baseball and he could be sneaky good in the fantasy world, particularly with his SB. He will likely be a standout in OBP leagues as well. Though his power potential is fringe-average at best, he could still get to 15+ due to his instincts.
Upside Grade: 7B
10. Jairo Iriarte (RHP) ... 6-2, 160 ... 22 ... 2018 FA (VZ)
Year | Team (LG) | IP | ERA | WHIP | Ctl | Dom | Cmd | OppBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | ACL Padres (Rk_ACL) | 21.0 | 4.71 | 1.190 | 3.0 | 10.7 | 3.6 | .222 |
2021 | Lake Elsinore (A2_West) | 9.0 | 27.00 | 3.444 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 1.5 | .481 |
2022 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 91.1 | 5.12 | 1.369 | 4.1 | 10.7 | 2.6 | .232 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 61.0 | 3.10 | 1.279 | 4.1 | 11.4 | 2.8 | .215 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 29.1 | 4.30 | 1.295 | 5.2 | 15.6 | 3.0 | .193 |
Comments: Unheralded RHP who posted highest K% in org and reached AA in July. Increased velocity with added strength gains and has excellent extension in delivery. Pitches aggressively with FB yet has deceptive CU that drops dramatically late. Misses bats with all pitches and could use better command within zone. Will need to enhance SL to last as SP.
Development Path: The likeliest scenario sees him return to Double-A where he started seven games at the tail end of 2023. The Padres want him to improve upon his command and control while maintaining his aggressive approach. Iriarte is another pitcher who could be summoned to the majors as a reliever if the need arises.
Fantasy Impact: There are two paths for Iriarte and both would be positive for his strikeout totals. He projects as a #3 starter but needs to reduce his walks. He also could be a tremendous late-innings reliever. He should contribute with both strikeouts and oppBA.
Upside Grade: 8D
11. Ryan Bergert (RHP) ... 6-1, 210 ... 24 ... 2021 (6) West Virginia
Year | Team (LG) | IP | ERA | WHIP | Ctl | Dom | Cmd | OppBA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | West Virginia (Big12) | 24.2 | 2.92 | 1.014 | 4.0 | 11.0 | 2.8 | .159 |
2021 | ACL Padres (Rk_ACL) | 11.0 | 0.00 | 0.273 | 0.0 | 11.5 | 0 | .083 |
2022 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 103.1 | 5.84 | 1.606 | 3.7 | 11.2 | 3.0 | .286 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 61.2 | 2.63 | 1.184 | 4.1 | 10.9 | 2.7 | .196 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 44.0 | 2.86 | 1.136 | 3.7 | 10.4 | 2.8 | .195 |
Comments: Returned to High-A to begin year before ascension to AA in mid-July. Showed improvement with all facets of pitching and was much tougher to hit than previously. Improved both breaking balls that feature varying shapes and velocities. Establishes plate with good FB with tailing action. May not have true out pitch and needs better CU.
Development Path: Bergert isn't necessarily on par with Snelling or Lesko, but he could be a solid complement to both. He will return to Double-A for 2024 with a desire to enhance his pitch sequencing and change-up. He is another candidate to move to the bullpen if an immediate need develops at the major league level.
Fantasy Impact: This is a typical #4 starter who may not have lights-out stuff, but he has enough command to be respectable in most fantasy categories. His strikeout numbers will likely fall as he climbs the ladder as he lacks a plus pitch.
Upside Grade: 7C
12. Nathan Martorella (1B,OF) ... 6-0, 224 ... L/L ... 23 ... 2022 (5) California
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | California (Pac12) | 228 | .333/.424/.553 | 13 | 87 | 1.17 | 11/1 |
2022 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 31 | .387/.457/.613 | 11 | 81 | 0.67 | 1/0 |
2022 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 59 | .288/.403/.458 | 17 | 75 | 0.80 | 2/0 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 398 | .259/.371/.450 | 15 | 78 | 0.84 | 16/5 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 89 | .236/.313/.382 | 9 | 84 | 0.64 | 3/0 |
Comments: Big and strong, he was 2nd in org in HR. Fits profile of LHH masher with high OBP ability. Can also hit LHP with advanced swing and instincts. Bat speed is fringe-average; he draws tons of walks with patient approach and rarely chases out of zone. Secondary skills are lacking and likely to end up at 1B full-time.
Development Path: The Padres could opt to challenge Martorella with an assignment to Triple-A and have him focus on playing both 1B and LF. There is an outside shot at getting to the majors later in 2024 if he continues to produce. The Padres aren't blessed with many natural 1B and Martorella could be the guy.
Fantasy Impact: Martorella profiles as a stereotypical left-handed hitting 1B with above average power and OBP ability. He likely won't be a BA contributor and definitely not one who provides SB.
Upside Grade: 7C
13. Homer Bush (OF) ... 6-0, 200 ... R/R ... 22 ... 2023 (4) Grand Canyon
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Grand Canyon (WAC) | 238 | .370/.478/.500 | 14 | 89 | 1.41 | 2/25 |
2023 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 44 | .409/.509/.614 | 14 | 84 | 1.00 | 2/10 |
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 85 | .247/.369/.341 | 12 | 82 | 0.80 | 1/11 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 28 | .429/.448/.464 | 3 | 93 | 0.50 | 0/1 |
Comments: Tall, athletic OF with dazzling pro debut on three levels. Speed is best present tool and should steal loads of bases. Nifty defender at any OF spot with plus range and strong arm. Profiles more as a BA guy due to level swing path and situational hitting. Should add strength to lean frame for harder contact. Will get on base consistently.
Development Path: The Padres may opt to challenge Bush with an assignment to High-A. The more likely outcome is Low-A to start before a midseason promotion. He may take a few years of seasoning in the minors, particularly with his pitch recognition and wiry physique.
Fantasy Impact: If he can develop just a modicum of consistent power, then his fantasy impact could be even more impressive. He already should provide a healthy amount of SB with an acceptable BA. He profiles as a leadoff or #2 hitter in the lineup.
Upside Grade: 7C
14. Graham Pauley (3B) ... 6-0, 200 ... L/R ... 23 ... 2022 (13) Duke
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Duke (ACC) | 212 | .292/.402/.495 | 13 | 87 | 1.14 | 9/5 |
2022 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 47 | .213/.333/.447 | 16 | 85 | 1.29 | 2/0 |
2023 | Lake Elsinore Storm (Cal2) | 230 | .309/.422/.465 | 15 | 83 | 1.00 | 4/12 |
2023 | Fort Wayne TinCaps (Midw2) | 170 | .300/.358/.629 | 7 | 76 | 0.32 | 16/8 |
2023 | San Antonio Missions (Tex2) | 81 | .321/.375/.556 | 8 | 85 | 0.58 | 3/2 |
Comments: Sleeper prospect who hit .300 on all 3 levels in first full pro season. Led org in hits, HR and RBI with simple approach. Leverages short stroke to make contact and makes good swing decisions to find pitches to drive. Could stand to use all fields more consistently and may have utility profile due to lack of plus tool. Passable defender.
Development Path: The Padres found a few gems in the 2022 draft class in Marsee and Pauley. It is possible they continue to grow together in the organization, whether to begin 2024 in Double-A or Triple-A. Pauley may also see time at additional positions for versatility purposes.
Fantasy Impact: His 2023 stats were very good, but likely well above his natural tools. That said, fantasy categories don't care about "natural tools". Pauley could be a .280+ hitter with 15+ HR and 15+ SB on the big league level. If he sticks at 3B, that would be a solid outcome.
Upside Grade: 7C
15. Eguy Rosario (2B,3B,SS) ... 5-10, 150 ... R/R ... 24 ... 2015 FA (DR)
Year | Team (LG) | AB | BA/OBP/Slg | bb% | ct% | Eye | HR/SB |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | El Paso Chihuahuas (PCL2) | 490 | .288/.368/.508 | 11 | 78 | 0.54 | 22/21 |
2022 | San Diego Padres (NL) | 5 | .200/.333/.200 | 17 | 60 | 0.50 | 0/0 |
2023 | ACL Padres (ACL) | 7 | .714/.750/1.429 | 13 | 86 | 1.00 | 1/0 |
2023 | El Paso Chihuahuas (PCL2) | 166 | .265/.348/.422 | 11 | 77 | 0.51 | 5/4 |
2023 | San Diego Padres (NL) | 36 | .250/.270/.500 | 3 | 67 | 0.08 | 2/0 |
Comments: Versatile, short INF who repeated AAA and saw big league action after beginning season late due to recovery from broken ankle. Fits utility bill with ability to play multiple positions. Takes advantage of instincts on base and in field when healthy and has solid understanding of strike zone. Can put charge in ball, but power not in his game.
Development Path: There is a roster spot available for a utility player and Rosario could be an ideal candidate to win the job. He's spent the last two seasons in Triple-A and is ready for a big league role.
Fantasy Impact: As a utility player, Rosario won't have a significant impact, however, he could inject a little power and a moderate BA. Because of his multi-positional abilities, he could be valuable in late rounds if he does indeed win a job out of spring training.
Upside Grade: 6A