The San Diego Padres enter the 2025 season with one of the most intriguing prospect pipelines in baseball—an organization rich in upside, international talent, and young pitching. Despite recent trades and aggressive promotions, the Padres have reloaded with a new wave of dynamic players led by teenage phenoms like Leodalis De Vries and Ethan Salas, as well as rising arms such as Dylan Lesko and Robby Snelling. This next generation of Padres stars showcases a mix of polish and projection, offering hope for sustained success and internal reinforcements as the big-league club looks to remain competitive in a loaded National League West.
1. Leo (Leodalis) De Vries – SS (18)
Signed for $4.2 M in Jan 2024, De Vries quickly ascended to High-A Lake Elsinore, where, despite being four years younger than average, he slashed .238/.361/.442 with 11 homers over 75 games and showed 60-grade hit and 55-grade power tools. A switch-hitter with plus defense and excellent plate discipline, he hit the first-ever cycle in Fort Wayne TinCaps history on April 22 2025. His track record and frame suggest a future middle-of-the-order shortstop, possibly debuting in 2027.
2. Ethan Salas – C (18)
The top international free-agent class of 2023, Salas rocketed into Double-A before turning 19, earning high praise for his game-calling and defensive acumen. Offensively, he posted a modest .206/.288/.311 in High-A, but his mature approach and polish behind the plate give him a high ceiling as a bat-first catcher, with a projected MLB debut in spring 2026.
3. Jackson Merrill – SS (21)
A polished shortstop and 2022 first-rounder, Merrill debuted in MLB in 2024 after rising swiftly through the minors . Known for his contact skills, instincts, and solid defense, he’s a safe everyday option with a realistic chance to stick long-term as the Padres’ starting shortstop.
4. Dylan Lesko – RHP (20)
Lesko, a high-upside starter, owns a low-to-mid 90s fastball, sharp off-speed offerings, and a polished delivery. Now in High-A, Baseball America projects his ETA as 2027 . Despite limited innings, his pedigree and pitch mix give him clear mid-rotation starter potential.
5. Robby Snelling – RHP (20)
Currently in Double-A, Snelling boasts a fastball-locker and three-pitch mix begging for innings. His strikeout upside is strong, and scouts grade him in the 40+ future value tier, suggesting late-2026 MLB potential as a back-end starter or multi-inning reliever.
6. Kash Mayfield – LHP (20)
The 2024 first-rounder from Oklahoma State, Mayfield debuted this season and quickly flashed 92–95 mph velocity with a curveball and changeup combo . As a high-upside college lefty, his advanced feel and frame make him a viable mid-rotation candidate.
7. Humberto Cruz – RHP (18)
A 17-year-old Mexican signee, Cruz debuted in the AZ Complex League and now sits in Single-A. His fastball has reached 97 mph and he features a promising slider and changeup. MLB Pipeline slotted him at No. 4 on the Padres list pre‑season , marking him as one of the organization’s most exciting young arms.
8. Boston Bateman – LHP (19)
At 6’8”, Bateman presents a special athletic frame with a promising fastball and curve. Projected to leverage his athleticism and size, he profiles as a future mid-rotation starter once he fills out physically.
9. Henry Baez – RHP (22)
Named the Padres’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2024, Baez posted a 2.99 ERA and 1.09 WHIP between High-A and Double-A. His steady command and three-pitch mix project him as a potential back-end starter or multi-inning relief arm, with an ETA as soon as 2025.
10. Tirso Ornelas – OF (24)
A breakout performer at Triple-A in 2024, Ornelas slashed .297/.367/.497 with 23 homers and 89 RBI, earning organizational Player of the Year honors. He made his MLB debut April 19, 2025. With power, hit-tool, and some speed, he fits as a viable fourth outfielder or platoon bat early in his big-league career.
