San Diego Padres 2021 Top 50 Prospects

“Hello, my name is…”

That is the theme of this year’s top 50 list for the San Diego Padres. I don’t know what I did to them, but the Friars traded away 17 of my beloved top 50 prospects from 2019. I thought I could handle it until the tipping point happened; they traded my beloved Hudson Head. I miss you so much already. With that out of the way, it’s not surprising that this system has taken quite a hit. The good news is that while the Padres traded nearly everyone away, they were somehow able to keep CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. How they were able to accomplish that, I’ll never know. The system has some interesting guys that you may just now be hearing about, but in reality, this is exactly what your system should look like when the big league club is going for it all in the next few seasons.

You better win it all soon guys. Otherwise, the curse of Hudson Head shall grow into something the world has never seen. Without further delay, here are my top 50 prospects for your San Diego Padres.

Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have a high likelihood of making the majors, but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster

Tier 1

1. CJ Abrams, 2B/SS (2020 Rank: #1)
Age: 20
Highest Level: Low-A

In an ever-changing world, at least the top prospect is still here and well. Putting Abrams on top comes with the standard caveat that he is #1 for fantasy purposes although I may take Abrams in real life too now. The speed and hit tool are great, and there have been reports of added strength leading to the possibility of some extra power. If that holds true, you will have one of the best fantasy assets out there. He has been playing shortstop, but ultimately he should end up at second or maybe even the outfield. Wherever he ends up, he should provide elite speed, high percentages, some pop, and great counting stats. I don’t know what is not to like.

CJ Abrams very loud stand up triple via his IG pic.twitter.com/hdX90gIGyj

— Josh (@Notorious_L_I_B) November 13, 2020

2. MacKenzie Gore, LHP (2020 Rank: #2)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Double-A

Wait, what? The Padres had a phenomenal run in 2020 and we didn’t get to see Gore for a single inning. 2020 was a cruel year indeed. We will see the stud lefty this year and he should be in the rotation as the #5 starter. There were some reports that a mechanical issue caused the delay and that things have since been figured out. I still have full confidence in him to fulfill his potential as a top of the rotation stud, although it seems like it’s taking longer than it should. An athletic delivery mixed with excellent command and some nasty stuff gives you everything you could want. If he is able to learn from this hiccup and become even better, I’m all for it.

Tier 2

3. Robert Hassell III, OF  (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

The Padres had their choice of any prep prospect and they chose the one with the best hit tool in the draft in Hassell. This should come as no surprise as you continue on this list as the organization has really made it a point of emphasis to seek out advanced hit tools. The 19-year-old has a great eye already and his swing is silky smooth. The power is the unknown here, but guys with his hit tool and size usually develop some loft and power as they mature. I am confident that he will and that means we have something pretty special here. The risk, however, is that he sacrifices his average to try and yank a few more home runs and only time will tell with that. For now, view him as a potential 20/20 guy with a high average and the possibility he stays in center.

4. Luis Campusano, C (2020 Rank: #5)
Age: 22
Highest Level: MLB

Campusano managed to make his debut in the abbreviate season, even making the postseason roster. The Padres are clearly very high on the young backstop and for good reason. His bat is good enough for any position, and at catcher, he could be one of the best options for fantasy. His defense should allow him to play there for the long term, and if the DH comes to the NL he would probably even gain more at-bats. I can see him being the backup soon, although the Padres are pretty set at the big league level with Austin Nola and Victor Caratini. A slight wrench in the plans is his felony charge for marijuana possession in the offseason, which could lead to some major discipline. Dynasty wise, however, there are few better catching prospects that Campusano and he should be making an impact soon.

5. Ha-Seong Kim, 2b (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 25
Highest Level: KBO

Kim has been one of the best players in the KBO as a very young player and he should be the starting second-baseman for the Friars in 2021. This comes as a little bit of a surprise since Jake Cronenworth had a remarkable season, but he can move into a utility role. Kim seems like a 20/20 machine and is just entering his prime. I’m a little concerned about his hit-tool at the big league level, but his power should translate, as should the speed. Perhaps an adjustment period will take place as well, but in the end, we have a “prospect” that is big-league ready and should be a 20/20 guy with a .250-.260 average.

Some Ha-seong Kim highlights. #Padres pic.twitter.com/E625FdZEmQ

— Jim Russell (@JimRussellSD) December 28, 2020

6. Ryan Weathers, LHP (2020 Rank: #9)
Age: 21
Highest Level: MLB

Weathers is a curious case. There are times where he is sitting 88-91 mph, and then there are times, like this postseason, where we see him hitting 95+. I don’t know exactly what to make of this. For now, there are hardly any other prospects that we should put ahead of Weathers because he has shown this spike in velocity and the upside has been pushed up. When he is throwing mid 90’s, his other pitches become very strong as he has a strong 3-pitch mix. It will be fascinating to see where he is at for 2021, but I tend to lean on the fact that he is maturing and becoming that solid #2-3 starter that many thought he could be.

7. Michel Baez, RHP (2020 Rank: #11)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Still on this list somehow, Baez maintains the potential that we all have seen for the last two years. His gigantic stature, good fastball, and nice changeup shouldn’t really drop him in rankings simply because he hasn’t made the last step. I think a change of scenery would do him well as there just are no openings on the Padres roster and he is big-league ready right now. So, in theory, his proximity to the majors is also a reason to not be as excited about him; if that makes any sense. Buy-low, in case he does get dealt.

8. Tucupita Marcano, IF (2020 Rank: #15)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

Marcano seems like the old man in this system now, but youth is still very much on his side. I tend to really like guys that show bat-to-ball skills and Marcano’s 8% K-rate is fantastic for a young player. This allows Marcano some room for error when trying to add some power as he matures. If that happens, I really like Marcano’s all-around game, even if his speed hasn’t translated as well as it should. In the end, the hit tool is above average and he is able to play multiple positions. His floor is pretty high as a utility guy in the big leagues, with his ceiling slowly getting higher and higher.

9. Reggie Lawson, RHP (2020 Rank: #26)
Age: 23
Highest Level: Double-A

Lawson actually benefitted from a lost 2020 season since he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Hopefully, the surgery can fix the arm because Lawson’s potential has been hit hard because of injuries in the past. When he is right, his stuff will definitely impress as he hits 96-97 on the gun and has an absolutely filthy curveball. His stuff is so good, that he struggles to locate. I am hoping, maybe too wistfully, that his location comes and things start to click. If he does, you could have a #2 starter here.

10. Justin Lange, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School

He’s not Cole Wilcox, but he is the top pitcher for the Padres from the 2020 draft for now. A big, prep flame-thrower from Texas, Lange is exactly what teams are looking for as a potential ace of the future. His secondary pitches need work and he has a lot of room to fill out but I like the 100 mph fastball a lot. It’s a powerful delivery too, giving hope that he can have a consistent motion and gain traction for his slider and change-up. With proper player development, Lange has the tools to pitch at the top of a rotation, but it’s going to take a lot of things to go right.

Tier 3

11. Jorge Ona, OF (2020 Rank: #21)
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB

He might suffer for the Baez-effect, but I really like what Ona has to offer in terms of fantasy production. The power is for real and he knows how to draw a walk. Plus, the Padres are heavily invested in him because of the $7 million it took to sign him in 2016. The issue here, however, is the defense. It probably keeps his bat out of the lineup regularly until he gets traded or the DH stays in the NL. Either way, Ona has a major league ready bat and seems to be reaching his potential.

12. Brayan Medina, RHP (2020 Rank: #23)
Age: 19
Highest Level: International

If Lange is at #10, it seems only logical to have Medina up this high as well. He throws high 90’s as a teenager and is very athletic. The ball explodes out of his hand and it’s a very simple delivery which, to me, makes his fastball play up even more. It just explodes on the hitter with some run as well. Of course, his secondaries are a ways off and the command is very shaky, but his ceiling is on par with Lange. We just haven’t seen a lot of him as an international signee, but I am pushing him up the rankings based on his huge potential.

13. Joshua Mears, OF (2020 Rank: #22)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

I never would have guessed that Mears would be in my top 15 for 2021, but alas, here we are. I’m actually not mad about it, since Mears looks like a linebacker and has some very loud tools. He mashed 7 home runs in 2019 as an 18-year-old and his power is probably getting even better. The strikeouts are a concern, but his speed is something that might make up for it. We might have a 30/30 guy with low averages, but it’s going to be a long road. Still, these guys don’t grow on trees and Mears is developing very well so far. 2020 was a lost year, but youth is still very much on his side and I’m anxious to see where the Padres put him for the new season.

14. Tirso Ornelas, OF (2020 Rank: #31)
Age: 20
Highest Level: High-A

Ornelas reminds me of the Nationals Luis Garcia because of how aggressive the Padres have been with his placement. He will most likely start the year in Double-A and will have just has turned 21 at that point. His stats don’t jump out at you and he looks overmatched at times, but none of that really worries you. What you see is someone that can do a little bit of everything.

15. Anderson Espinoza, RHP (2020 Rank: #34)
Age: 22
Highest Level: Low-A

Somehow still only 22, I think having Espinoza too low might end up looking foolish. Granted, he hasn’t pitched since 2016 and has two Tommy John surgeries under his belt, but the stuff seems to be still there, based on some reports in the summer. If he is healthy, there is really no one else below him that can match his upside. He was once a top 30 prospect, and if the 4 years off allow his arm to get right, there is still frontline starter upside here. Of course, injuries can ruin all of that in a single pitch with him, so buyer beware.

16. Esteury Ruiz, 2b (2020 Rank: #20)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

Ruiz is a lesson on the frustration that prospects can give. He struggled in 2019 after a hot start, and now his stock is down after a lost season. He has tons of speed and some pop in his bat, making him a great fantasy prospect, but his glove is bad and he just hasn’t put anything together for long stretches of time. Still, he is extremely young and if things click, there is a fantasy darling here. Maybe the year off did him some good, so monitor his progress, especially if he starts at Double-A.

17. Mason Thompson, RHP (2020 Rank: #35)
Age: 22
Highest Level: High-A

Thompson has been tantalizing for a couple of years now, and injuries have really halted his development. However, a life in the pen might be the best thing for the right-hander as his already electric stuff plays up and his health could be protected. I think he might be a guy that comes in and just mows hitters down for an inning or two at a time, with a possible chance for saves down the line. Of course, the risk is extremely high in his profile, but if he maintains his health I see a major league arm here.

18. Luis Gutierrez, LHP (2020 Rank: #29)
Age: 17
Highest Level: International

He isn’t done growing yet and still can touch 90 from the left side. That alone is enough to register high on lists, but he gets a big jump because of his smooth mechanics, command with his fastball, and the potential strikeout pitch with his curveball. Watching him pitch, I can’t imagine a world where he doesn’t add velocity, and his delivery really gives me hope that his command will be there. Of course, he is years away from the majors, but the potential is pretty high with this teenager.

19. Justin Lopez, SS (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 20
Highest Level: Low-A

Switch-hitter. Middle Infielder. Power. Just don’t look at his faults. Lopez offers a lot of intrigue at a position that is a premium. The great thing is that Lopez is going to stay at short, due to a great glove so there is going to be a lot of forgiveness if his bat doesn’t quite make the progress we would want. He strikes out a ton, doesn’t walk, and sells out for his power, but there is so much to like here that he is worth a gamble on. He also has shown his power against much older competition, which gives me a lot of hope here with the Venezuelan.

20. Jagger Haynes, LHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: High School

Jaggar Haynes is quite the enigma. His growth as a junior and senior in high school are pretty remarkable and he was primed for a huge jump had he been able to showcase his skills in his senior year. Alas, we haven’t really seen what he can do, but the tools suggest there is something there if the development can be successful. Tall (6’3”), left-handed, and young there are a lot of things going for Haynes. He is risky and will take a while but there is a path to huge rewards for those that are patient.

21. Pedro Avila, RHP (2020 Rank: #33)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB

Avila made his MLB debut in 2019 but missed the 2020 season because of Tommy John surgery. In 2019, it looked like he might be able to stick as a #4 or #5, but now he is a long way down on the depth chart. I don’t really like him in the bullpen either, since he doesn’t really have a plus pitch; it’s more of a sum of all parts kind of thing. Still, he’s worth monitoring to see if we get a spike after the surgery or his pitches play up in the pen.

22. Gabriel Morales, LHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

Morales has actually been around quite a while, but we still have a lot to learn about his talent. On the surface I see a big-bodied left-hander, throwing mid 90’s and that’s very exciting. He is also striking out a ton of batters (10.7 K/9) and is young. However, he only pitched 50 innings in 2019, and has yet to get above Low-A. I still have a lot of questions, but he isn’t a nobody and I feel he is getting overlooked by a lot of people in this system.

23. Jordy Barley, LHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

If you went to one game and watched Barley for a few plays you might think he was a top 5 prospect. He has all the tools and it shows at certain times, both on defense and at the plate. The problem comes when you continue to watch him and see the lack of consistency and the swing and miss in his game. Yes, he can hit a ball a long way but he can’t do it often enough to matter. And yes, he can get to a ball that no one else could but he will boot the next two. It’s a frustrating experience, to say the least, but his potential is still quite high if he can figure things out.

24. Jose Cordero, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 17
Highest Level: International

Cordero brings some fantasy goodness with his plus speed and projectable body. If he can develop some power, there will be a lot of interest in him as he matures. He is years away, but in a system that lacks upside, Cordero brings it in bunches. Hopefully, we can see him in 2021 in some capacity to really gain some perspective.

25. Frank Lopez, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

He’s pretty refined for his age, as his fastball/changeup combo is solid already. If he could harness his breaking pitches, then Lopez would fly up the lists here. Very smooth delivery and good arm action on his pitches. He looks and plays older than his age and still has a lot of room to mature into a solid pitcher.  The building blocks are here; they just need to be put in the right order.

26. Grant Little, OF (2020 Rank: #40)
Age: 23
Highest Level: Low-A

Little was a 2020 sleeper for me, so I was quite disappointed not to see him in action. His fall stats don’t quite scream breakout, but I am still confident that the power is coming. If it does, he should do a bit of everything for your fantasy team, although never quite a star. He is already 23 and a legit college player, so he might move quickly and become a 4th outfielder who enjoys some productive years in his prime.

27. Luarbert Arias, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 20
Highest Level: Low-A

Arias certainly doesn’t jump out at you right away, but his change-up is one of the best in the system and he has some decent skills to warrant a potential back-end starter type. I wouldn’t bet a lot on him, but he is relatively safe in my book. The Padres need to be aggressive with him because he will be Rule 5 eligible next year so this will probably be the year to gives us a real look at the future for the Venezuelan.

28. Hugo Sanchez, 3B (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: International

Sanchez plays the game soundly and seemingly has the fundamentals down. He is a big kid already and his left-handed swing is nice, albeit with a little hitch. He should be able to stay in the infield and might gain some helium once we see him stateside. Really excited to see more of this kid in 2021.

29. Levi Thomas, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 22
Highest Level: College

He was picked to afford the other guys in 2020, but he isn’t a nobody. He was known as a bulldog at Troy, someone that took the ball and gave you a chance to win. If he can continue to be that guy in pro ball he becomes interesting. The stuff is exceedingly average though, so we will see how far guts and courage get you.

30. Victor Acosta, SS (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 16
Highest Level: International

The only 2021 international signee to make the list, Acosta has some hype. He was signed for $1.8 million and brings a little swag with him. He’s a switch-hitter with room to fill out and has the tools to stick at short. He could go a lot of different ways, but the overall consensus is that he is a hard-worker and has the potential to be a star.

Tier 4

31. Dwanya Williams-Sutton, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 23
Highest Level: Low-A

Williams-Sutton offers plenty of intrigue and might be further along than I originally thought. He has a lot of work to do as he still is very raw, but the tools are there. His age brings my hope down a bit since he is probably not going to fix everything he needs to, but if everything goes right, there is a fantasy monster here.

32. Sean Guilbe, 3B (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

Big raw power that has made its way into games at the expense of his contact rate. The bat has juice, though, and he looks jacked. I liked his swing a lot when he had his big leg kick, but he has ditched that recently. I’ll be interested to see if he goes back to it in 2021. It’s been a while since we have seen him, but if he used the time off wisely we might see a nice jump from him.

33. Christian Heredia, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Old school, no batting gloves free swinger. He looks a bit awkward up there, but he is an athlete with a good body to boot. The swing is filled with holes, but the bat speed is there to progress into an offensive threat. Not very fast, he probably has to be put in a corner outfield spot so the bat has to be pretty special, but if you squint you see a potential power hitter with good vision at the dish.

34. Luis Almanzar, 3B (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

He was signed for a ton of money back in 2016, so this ranking is almost solely because of that. He sure hasn’t shown much in games so far, but he probably deserves one last chance to see why the Padres threw so much his way. He was supposed to have average tools across the board and perhaps even play up the middle, so don’t write him off just yet. If he struggles in 2021, I’ll turn the page.

35. Lake Bachar, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 25
Highest Level: Double-A

If injuries hit the big league roster in 2021, Bachar is probably one of the first to get the call as a spot starter. The ceiling is quite low, but he has been consistent throughout his career and will probably make it all to the show at some point. The strikeouts did tick up a little bit in 2019 so there’s a little bit to be excited about. Overall, he’s probably organization depth with some close proximity.

36. Henry Baez, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: International

Extremely young and yet to pitch stateside, Baez offers some dreaming to really get excited about. The velocity is there for such a young kid, but the same old story goes for these young, international signees. The development will be key and 2021 will be a crucial year in gather more substantial information.

37. Carlos Guarate, RHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Low-A

Extremely young for the assignments he has been given, Guarate has achieved success at every level despite being 2-3 years young than his competition. This usually bodes well for prospects down the line, even more so with him since his stuff isn’t eye-popping. He is a guy that might take advantage of the lost 2020 season and come out with a few more ticks on his fastball. The results, if that were the case, would probably be eye-popping.

38. Osvaldo Hernandez, LHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 22
Highest Level: High-A

Hernandez gets back on the list because of his insane 2018 season, but he remains low because 2019 was cut short with injuries and some horrific outings. Fearless and relentless on the mound, I like what he has to offer and hope that 2019 was the exception. He is closer to the big leagues than you think and he throws strikes. Oh, and he is left-handed. Lots of boxes checked here.

39. Charlis Aquino, SS (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Sometimes, being a glove-first prospect has its perks. Aquino seems very natural at the premium position, with enough projection to make it to the big leagues. He might top out as a utility player, but being so young there is some time for him to mature and find his offense. These guys are worth something and can usually make it if the proper patience and understanding are observed.

Tier 5

40. Ivan Castillo, SS (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 25
Highest Level: Double-A

Castillo signed with the club last year and had a good 2019. His swing is sweet, he has some speed and a little pop. Good all-around player. Would probably be ranked higher in a different system, but he is a solid ballplayer. The age makes him a little less appealing for dynasty leagues as he has probably reached his ceiling, but he could stick as a utility-type.

Ivan Castillo’s homer in the 1st for @sodpoodles #Padres pic.twitter.com/42PZOPWrbF

— James E. Clark 3 (@EVT_JClark) September 15, 2019

41. Angel Solarte, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie

Solarte has some bat speed and he certainly is not afraid of anybody. His projection leaves some wanting more and he needs to learn to take a walk. I am not a huge fan of the moving parts in his swing, but he has performed well for his level and is being pushed aggressively. If he can make some adjustments he might be a decent 4th outfielder in the future.

42. Mason Fox, RHP/OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 24
Highest Level: High-A

Jake Cronenworth 2.0, but in reverse. I don’t know if he seriously could be a two-way player in the bigs, but he can hit. His value, however, would be on the mound as a late-inning guy and his results have been pretty amazing so far, albeit in the low minors. I’d let him hit a little bit, but really just a fun guy more than anything at this point. But the point is that the last ‘fun’ guy I mentioned in the system was Cronenworth, so there’s always hope.

43. Eguy Rosario, 2B (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Double-A

Not a lot of ceiling with Rosario, but he has a nice hit tool that could carry him all the way. It will probably be empty, however, as the rest of his skill set is more middling. That isn’t a hit to him as a real-life player, but for fantasy, I would like to see some more contributions to the stat line. Still, pretty advanced and far along already.

44. Jawuan Harris, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 24
Highest Level: Low-A

Hit 8 home runs and stole 29 bases in 2019 in Low-A, but is already 24. If he were a few years younger he would be much higher. Alas, his age tempers potential sleeper excitement here. But for fantasy dart throws, this is the type of profile you want to go for in the power/speed combo. The lost year absolutely kills him.

45. Olivier Basabe, 1B (2020 Rank: #48)
Age: 23
Highest Level: High-A

Probably relegated to first base so his bat has to carry him. Right now, that doesn’t look great, but his swing is compact and sound. I have some hope for him if he can move off of 1B. Would need to somehow get good enough to move to second for me to take real notice. A little swag on him makes me want him to succeed just that much more.

46. Jack Suwinski, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 22
Highest Level: High-A

Making some nice progress, as these types of guys usually take a long time to develop. Power is showing up in games, but so is a pretty alarming swing and miss. When he connects, there is a lot behind it. Wouldn’t surprise me if he takes a big step this year. Also wouldn’t surprise me if the strikeouts keep him from advancing past Double-A.

47. Euribiel Angeles, 3B (2020 Rank: #45)
Age: 18
Highest Level: DSL

Extremely young, but hit .301 in 2019 against older competition. He has wheels, but power is lacking. Bat speed isn’t there, but gets barrell to the ball, regardless. Might be something here, to be honest. I hope he used 2020 to bulk up and maybe he grew a little, because he looks like a ballplayer. Quick-hands on defense suggest he might make it at short, or at least second.

48. James Reeves, LHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 27
Highest Level: Triple-A

Acquired in the low-key Greg Allen trade from the Yankees, Reeves is big-league ready and will probably be a lefty specialist for 2021. He has huge strikeout totals in the minors (350 K’s in 293 innings) so he might be useful for holds on a team that is projected to win a lot of games. I’m surprised he hasn’t made his debut yet but he should see success if used properly.

49. Ramon Perez, LHP (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A

Lefty who saw a big spike in strikeouts in 2019. Getting up to 95 with sink on his fastball to go along with a lanky delivery that seems like he is able to sneak up on hitters. Still young enough to have some growth, so a decent name to watch for in 2021.

50. Taylor Kohlwey, OF (2020 Rank: NR)
Age: 26
Highest Level: Triple-A

Was never too interested in Kohlwey because of the lack of power and his age, but he slugged 5 home runs in 63 at-bats this winter. With everyone in the system being traded, even small sample sizes like this easily catch my attention. Worth a mention in case he figured out something to go along with a good hit tool.