This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
MacKenzie Gore, P
Fastball: 55/60 | Slider: 55/60 | Curveball: 50/55
Changeup: 55/60 | Command: 50/70
MacKenzie Gore should become the Padres true #1 starter sooner than later. The only thing standing in his way is him, but with his overall competitiveness and aptitude for the game, scouts believe he’ll make the necessary adjustments to take the next step. In 2019, over the span of 20 games, Gore posted a 1.69 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 135 K’s, 28 BB’s, and held hitters to a .164 AVG in 101 IP. Look for Gore to open 2021 in AAA.
CJ Abrams, SS
Hit: 35/70 | Power: 30/55 | Speed: 80/80 | Arm: 50/55 | Field: 35/45
CJ Abrams is one of my favorite prospects in all of baseball. This 6’2″ 20-year-old can fly! He’s got some of the most legit speed in the game and will influence all aspects of the game because of it. He’s also shown impressive left side contact with flashes of power. Defensively Abrams has the tools to stick at SS, but a move to 2B or CF are also possibilities. Look for Abrams to open 2021 in High-A, and don’t be surprised if the Padres try him out at multiple positions since SS is currently blocked in the majors.
Luis Campusano, C
Hit: 50/60 | Power: 30/60 | Speed: 40/40 | Arm: 55/60 | Field: 40/45
Luis Campusano is an offensive first catcher. His power is still developing, but thus far, the ceiling is high. In 2019, Campusano slashed .325/.396/.509 with 15 home runs and posted a 10.7% BB% with an 11.7% K%. Defensively, however, his overall skills need refining, specifically with his catch-and-throw and receiving. Look for Campusano to open 2021 in AAA.
Robert Hassell III, OF
Hit: 25/60 | Power: 20/50 | Speed: 55/55 | Arm: 50/55 | Field: 40/50
The biggest questions about Robert Hassell are about his power potential and whether he can stick in CF. Most scouts believe this 6’2″ 195 pound 19-year-old will grow into his power as he physically matures and fills out his frame, while other scouts see him as a lean build. His arm strength ranges from a plus arm to about average arm, so moving from CF to a corner OF position is still to be determined. Look for Hassell to open 2021 in low-A, where all eyes will be watching his development both in the field and at the plate.
Ryan Weathers, P
Fastball: 45/60 | Slider: 50/55 | Curveball: 40/50
Changeup: 50/55 | Command: 45/60
Many scouts believe Ryan Weather will have the best fastball command in the Padres organization; however, he lacks a true “out” pitch in his arsenal. His fastball sits in the low-90’s, but his command and spin rate make the pitch play above its velocity. Look for Weathers to open 2021 in AA, where he’ll look to continue refining his four-pitch arsenal.
In The Pipeline
Victor Acosta, SS
Victor Acosta was the top Padres International signee for 2021 when they inked this 16-year-old to a $1.8M contact. Acosta is a 5’11” 165-pound athlete who’s already said to have a plus arm and speed. He’s also drawn very early comps to the likes of Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez. Look for Acosta to open 2021 in Rookie ball for the Padres, where he’ll see his first taste of professional baseball.
Charlis Aquino, 2B/SS
Hit: 20/50 | Power: 20/50 | Speed: 40/50 | Arm: 50/60 | Field: 45/55
Charlis Aquino is a defensive-first prospect. The main questions surround Aquino are related to his offensive output. If he can make adjustments in the batters’ box and make consistent contact, this 6’2″ 19-year-old could find himself moving through the Padres system fairly quickly. After a decent 2019 season in Rookie ball, Aquino slashed .255/.336/.333 with a 19% K% and 10.4% BB%. Look for Aquino to open 2021 in Rookie ball, where he’ll hope to improve on his 2019 numbers.
Zayed Salinas, P/OF
Zayed Salinas, a 6’2″ LHP, was a 2019 International signee from Mexico. Salinas, at 16-years-old, was able to hit 90MPH with his fastball, which will only improve as he physically matures. He will likely stick to P in his professional career, where he’s said to profile better. Look for Salinas to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
Angel Solarte, OF
Hit: 25/55 | Power: 20/45 | Speed: 60/60 | Arm: 55/55 | Field: 45/60
At 5’11”, 155 pounds, Angel Solarte is a smaller framed OF; as such, scouts question whether he’ll hit for power. Solarte is said to be a defensive-first CF where his speed and arm profile well. He’s also a solid contact hitter who has 20+ stolen base upside. Look for Solarte to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
Jaggar Haynes, P
Fastball: 50/60 | Slider: 40/50 | Changeup: 45/55 | Command: 35/45
Jaggar Haynes was a 5th round steal by the Padres in the 2020 MLB amateur draft – at least that’s what the Padres believe. Jaggar comes from the same part of North Carolina that produced MacKenzie Gore and was the youngest player selected in the 2020 draft. This 6’3″ southpaw can already touch 94MPH, and scouts believe he’ll throw even harder as he physically matures. Look for Haynes to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
Brayan Medina, P
Fastball: 50/60 | Slider: 45/55 | Changeup: 40/50 | Command: 30/50
Brayan Medina was a top-30 International prospect from Venezuela in 2019. For an 18-year-old, he is said to have better delivery than most teens, and it should only improve as he matures. Scouts have praised his ability to make adjustments when attacking hitters. Medina already can hit mid-90’s with his fastball, and most scouts believe his velocity will tick-up towards 100MPH as he becomes stronger. Look for Medina to open 2021 in Rookie ball.
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