The San Diego Padres’ farm system has been a topic of considerable discussion lately, especially after Keith Law of The Athletic released his annual rankings. The Padres landed at No. 25 on Law’s list, a ranking that reflects a mix of high ceilings, limited depth, and the long-term consequences of aggressive roster moves. To understand where the Padres’ system stands and how it might shape the future of the big-league club, let’s dive into the details.
At the heart of the Padres’ farm system are two elite teenagers who are widely regarded as the crown jewels of the organization: catcher Ethan Salas and shortstop Leodalis De Vries. Both players are ranked in the top 100 prospects in baseball, with Salas sitting at No. 17 and De Vries at No. 31. These two young talents embody the potential of the Padres’ system, but they also highlight its limitations. Both Salas and De Vries are still years away from making a significant impact at the major league level, and the organization lacks the depth to fill the gaps in the short term. This lack of depth is no accident; it’s a direct result of the team’s aggressive trade strategy under president of baseball operations A.J. Preller.
Preller made waves in 2024 by trading 12 of the Padres’ top 17 prospects entering the season. While these moves nearly paid off in spectacular fashion—the Padres came within a single game of defeating the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason—they have left the system somewhat barren. The trades were a calculated gamble, but they’ve now left the organization with a farm system that offers little immediate help. As the Padres look to compete in 2025, they may find themselves in a difficult position. With payroll constraints looming, Preller might be forced to trade key big-league pieces or even some of the promising lower-level prospects who remain in the system to rebalance the roster.
While Salas and De Vries are the headliners, they’re unlikely to contribute meaningfully in 2025. Both players are still developing and would need aggressive call-ups to see the field in San Diego this year. In the meantime, the Padres will look to other prospects to fill the gaps. Outfielder Tirso Ornelas, a Tijuana native who was added to the 40-man roster in July, could be one of the first to step into a bench role. Ornelas had a solid 2024 season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, and his experience and proximity to the majors make him a logical candidate to contribute this year.
On the pitching side, the Padres have a few intriguing relievers who could make an impact in 2025. Sean Reynolds, a towering 6-foot-8 right-hander who was once an outfielder, made a strong impression in his Padres debut last summer. Reynolds, along with fellow right-handers Francis Pena and Bradgley Rodriguez, will join the big-league camp this spring. These live-armed relievers could add much-needed depth to the bullpen. Additionally, pitchers like Omar Cruz and Henry Baez are knocking on the door as potential spot starters or long relievers. While they may not be household names yet, they represent the next wave of talent that could help stabilize the pitching staff.
Looking further ahead, the Padres’ 2027 Opening Day roster is expected to feature a mix of established stars and homegrown talent. Behind the plate, Ethan Salas is projected to take over as the starting catcher, while Leodalis De Vries is expected to anchor the infield at shortstop. The lineup will also include familiar faces like Xander Bogaerts at first base, Jake Cronenworth at second, and Manny Machado at third. In the outfield, Tirso Ornelas could slot into left field, with Jackson Merrill in center and Fernando Tatis Jr. patrolling right. Luis Campusano, another highly touted prospect, is expected to fill the designated hitter role. On the bench, players like Brandon Valenzuela, Eguy Rosario, and Cobb Hightower will provide depth and versatility.
The starting rotation could look equally promising, with a mix of veterans and rising stars. Right-handers Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove are expected to anchor the rotation, with Randy Vásquez, Stephen Kolek, and Henry Baez rounding out the starting five. The bullpen, meanwhile, will feature a mix of power arms and experienced relievers, including Jeremiah Estrada, Sean Reynolds, Yuki Matsui, and Alek Jacob. With a blend of youthful energy and proven talent, the 2027 Padres could be a formidable force in the National League. However, the path to get there won’t be easy. The organization will need to balance its payroll, make savvy trades, and continue to develop its young players if it hopes to return to contention. While the farm system may not currently boast the depth of other organizations, the Padres have the pieces in place to build a bright future—if they can navigate the challenges ahead.
