Shortstop Leodalis DeVries and catcher Ethan Salas, the Padres No. 1 and No. 2 prospects, have been reassigned to minor league camp in preparation for the Padres Spring Breakout recreation. With the conclusion of minor league mini-camp and the start of full minor league camp, DeVries and Salas will be part of the opposite extremely rated Padres prospects to arrange for the A’s prospects within the recreation performed at Peoria Sports activities Advanced at 2:40 p.m. on March 14.
The total roster contains 2024 high draft class members LHP Kash Mayfield and LHP Boston Bateman in addition to shortstop Cobb Hightower. Outfielder Kavares Tears and potential two-way participant Sean Barnett are additionally on the listing. All of those gamers be part of RHP Bradgley Rodríguez as gamers to be watched this season as famous on Baseball America’s Deep Dive podcast with JJ Cooper and Peter Flaherty.
Not taking part within the recreation are #4 prospect RHP Humberto Cruz and #8 prospect 3B Kale Fountain. OF Tirso Ornelas, the #11 prospect, is getting a significant league roster alternative together with #12 prospect RHP Henry Baez, a non-roster invitee.
The Spring Breakout is now in its second yr with the Padres recreation final yr being rained out and performed in a while within the spring, whereas the Padres have been in Korea. The Padres prospects performed the Seattle Mariners prospects and received 13-10. The sport this yr might be watched on the MLB app, on MLB.com, and heard on 97.3 The Fan.
Prime 30 listing
The Padres Prime 30 prospect listing additionally got here out with many modifications famous from final yr’s listing. DeVries and Salas traded locations with DeVries now No. 1 and Salas assuming the No. 2 spot. The most important motive would in all probability be the step again Salas took final yr, struggling along with his hitting as a younger participant with Excessive-A Fort Wayne. He spent a while transforming his swing and completed his season sturdy. DeVries skipped any developmental leagues and performed his first yr with Single-A Lake Elsinore, taking part in nicely all through till hurting his shoulder.
Fast movers
RHSP Humberto Cruz was not listed within the 2024 prospect listing and is #4 on this yr’s listing. He was signed out of Mexico in February of 2024. He solely labored within the Arizona Advanced League however boasts a mid-90’s fastball with a slider and changeup. He additionally flashes good command early in his skilled profession.
RHP Braden Nett made a big transfer up, going from No. 20 to No. 9. His pitches are nicely regarded with a mid to excessive 90’s fastball and creating slider, cutter, and changeup. His command and stroll charges bear watching as he develops via the higher minor league ranges.
Shortstop Cobb Hightower went from No. 15 after being drafted final yr to No. 6 on the listing this yr. He might be the subsequent high-quality bat creating for the Padres. He additionally has plus pace and ample defensive expertise. With DeVries forward of him at shortstop, a change to second base can be a logical development.
Trending down
RHP David Morgan, #29 on final yr’s listing, will not be listed this yr. He’s included within the Spring Breakout roster for the Padres.
RHP Kannon Kemp dropped from #28 to off the listing. He’s 6’ 6” and 20 years outdated with projection nonetheless remaining however has had damage points to this point.
LHP Austin Krob is 25 years outdated and dropped from #27 to off the listing. He’s a starter via his profession to this point however has made reliever appearances with the Padres main league group via this spring.
RHP Cole Paplham struggles with walks and commenced the spring pitching with the most important league group in early spring. He was hit with a batted ball, fracturing facial bones, and has not appeared since then. He went from #26 prospect final season to off the listing this yr.
Catcher Brandon Valenzuela went from #13 prospect in 2024 to off the listing this yr. His hit device has been the most important difficulty. He excels defensively and might be a stable #2 catcher for a significant league group if his bat retains up. He’s nonetheless simply 23 years outdated.
RHP Juan Nuñez, the Rule 5 decide acquired from the Orioles, was the O’s #20 prospect and have become the Padres #11 prospect when acquired. He slips to #16 with the advance of different gamers and the addition of latest members. He made his first look in a spring recreation on March 4 versus the Rockies. He have to be returned to Baltimore if he doesn’t make the 26-man roster.
