In San Diego, the Padres find themselves in a familiar scenario. A.J.
Preller, the team’s president of baseball operations, continues to make bold moves, trading away young talent in a bid to win now. As a result, the Padres' farm system has slipped to the bottom of major-league rankings.
Yet, team officials argue that they still manage to cultivate young talent, keeping the cycle alive.
This year, the Padres are at a crossroads. Their roster is thin on starting-pitching depth, and with their farm system ranked No. 30, immediate help seems scarce. As Keith Law from The Athletic noted, trading away prospects and focusing on high-risk, high-upside draft picks, like high school pitchers, can take a toll on a team’s depth.
Despite these challenges, the Padres’ system isn’t entirely devoid of promising players. Catcher Ethan Salas and left-hander Kruz Schoolcraft are well-known names, but let's spotlight four other prospects to watch in 2026.
Bradgley Rodriguez, RHP
Rodriguez has been turning heads with his blazing fastball. In spring training, he averaged 98.7 mph, putting him among the top in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues.
Though it’s early days, his impressive performance earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster. Rodriguez made his debut in 2025 with a solid showing, and while his stint might be brief due to bullpen dynamics, his talent could secure him a longer stay.
Garrett Hawkins, RHP
Coming off a stellar 2025 season, Hawkins was named the Padres’ minor-league pitcher of the year. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, he showcased a 38-inning scoreless streak. With a mid-90s fastball and a 6-foot-5 frame, Hawkins could find himself in the big-league bullpen by September.
Tucker Musgrove, RHP
Musgrove brings versatility as a former two-way player. Drafted in the seventh round in 2023, he made his professional debut in 2025. With a strong fastball and a sharp slider, Musgrove has the potential for high-leverage situations, intriguing team officials with his athleticism.
Ty Harvey, C
Harvey, a 19-year-old catcher, is showing promise despite limited professional play. Awarded a $1.5 million signing bonus, he’s seen as a valuable prospect for the Padres. His athleticism and potential power make him a player to watch as he develops into a solid receiver.
While the Padres face challenges with their current roster and farm system, these prospects offer a glimmer of hope. Whether through direct impact or future trades, they represent the potential to keep San Diego competitive in the seasons to come.