When it comes to the San Diego Padres and their draft strategy, there's a familiar pattern that fans have come to expect. Typically, the Padres zero in on the most intriguing high school pitcher available, valuing potential and upside over the more predictable college performers.
This has been a hallmark of A.J. Preller's approach to building the team.
However, the latest MLB Pipeline mock draft throws a curveball into this narrative, suggesting a fresh twist that Padres fans should keep an eye on.
The mock draft has the Padres eyeing Cole Prosek, a talented third baseman and catcher from Magnolia Heights in Mississippi, with the 21st overall pick. True to form, the Padres are still linked to high school pitching, with Gio Rojas being a name that could tempt them if he slides due to typical first-round jitters about high school arms.
Yet, there's a shift in the air. The Padres might be more inclined to select a high school bat, with Prosek, Trevor Condon, or Landon Thome (yes, Jim Thome’s son) in the mix.
Opting for a high school position player like Prosek would keep the Padres' draft strategy bold, but it would also add a layer of unpredictability. Drafting a prep hitter from Mississippi, as opposed to a seasoned college player ready for Double-A, is a bold move.
Yet, Prosek represents a different kind of risk. While he's considered a bat-first prospect, he also has pitching capabilities.
This marks a departure from their approach last year with Kruz Schoolcraft, who was drafted primarily as a pitcher despite his interest in being a two-way player. Prosek, if not drafted, could explore a dual role at Ole Miss, but the Padres' interest is clearly in his bat.
Prosek's high school stats are eye-popping, with a batting average hovering around .595, 18 home runs, 79 RBIs, and a staggering 1.899 OPS in his senior year. Those numbers are the stuff of video game legends.
While high school stats can be misleading, Prosek's left-handed swing, advanced feel for the barrel, and raw power potential make him an intriguing prospect. MLB Pipeline highlights his hitting ability as his standout trait, which aligns with the Padres' long-term vision of bolstering their offensive lineup.
If the Padres are expected to go for the high school arm, perhaps the more strategic move is to surprise everyone with a high school bat that boasts a legitimate hit tool. Prosek could be a valuable addition to the Padres' farm system, bringing youth, athleticism, and defensive versatility to the table.
This potential pick offers a fresh angle to the Padres' draft strategy, making this mock draft more than just a routine prediction. It’s a glimpse into how the Padres might be evolving their approach to building a competitive team for the future.
In Other News...
Padres Are Trusting Jake Cronenworth Again In A Spot Fans Fear
Jake Cronenworth is back on the active roster after a short rehab assignment, and the Padres are clearly leaning on the familiarity and steadying influence he has brought them before. San Diego activated the veteran infielder on June 29 while also recalling Bradgley Rodriguez, part of a flurry of moves that signaled a roster trying to balance immediate needs with longer-term health and depth.
Cronenworth did show some positive signs in rehab, and the Padres are banking on that momentum carrying over as he re-enters a lineup that has needed more reliable production from the infield. The corresponding shuffle sent Will Wagner back to Triple-A El Paso for continued development, while David Morgan landed on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation, leaving San Diego to sort through both the present and the next wave of options. [Read more 🡒]
Padres Bring Back A Veteran Bat As Bench Frustration Grows
Nick Solak is back in the Padres organization after a brief trip onto the free agent market, giving San Diego another experienced name to lean on as it tries to shore up its bench. The 31-year-old was outrighted by the club, but his return keeps a right-handed bat in the system that the Padres believe can provide useful depth if they need help at the big league level.
Solaks case has been built more on what he did in Triple-A than on any extended major league run. He hit .333 with a .412 on-base percentage, nine home runs, 40 RBIs and a .924 OPS there, production that at least gives San Diego something to point to if it keeps searching for steadier bench answers. The remaining question is how much of that form can actually translate into meaningful opportunities in a crowded Padres mix. [Read more 🡒]
Craig Stammen Just Drew A Line For Padres Starters
The Padres have spent too many recent nights asking the bullpen to clean up after the rotation, with starters not lasting long enough to keep games from tilting early. Craig Stammen didnt dress it up, either, acknowledging the need for the group to pitch deeper and at least leaving open the possibility that the club could keep leaning on creative fixes while it waits for healthier arms to rejoin the mix.
There is still a path to relief in the second half, with several starters expected back from injury and the front office likely to look for help before the trade deadline. Until then, the pressure on the current group is obvious: San Diego needs more stability from the front of games, because the alternatives can only patch over so much. [Read more 🡒]