4. Cal Quantrill, RHP
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 2/10/1995 (23)
2017 teams/levels played for: high-A Lake Elsinore Storm, AA San Antonio Missions
2017 Stats: 22 GS, 116 IP, 3.80 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 7.9% BB, 21.6% K
Info: The son of long-time MLB reliever Paul Quantrill, Cal has been around the game most of his life and has an advanced feel for the ups and downs of the game. That’s why the San Diego Padres felt comfortable making him the 7th overall selection in 2016 even though he had just had Tommy John surgery.
Cal has been around the game most of his life and has an advanced feel for the ups and downs of the game
Quantrill came back quite strong in 2017, finding his velocity very easily. He works with a heavy fastball that site 93-95 and can touch 97-98 late into games with good command. He has one of the better change ups in the minor leagues to pair with the fastball with incredible arm deception and a “Bugs Bunny” effect on the pitch as it nears the pitch, seemingly slowing more the closer it gets to the plate.
A pitcher’s first year back from TJS typically is when he recovers his velocity, and in year 2, feel and command come back, which is why his command of his fastball was so promising. His slider did struggle to show consistent movement, and he’s working on a curveball that he can get over for strikes but is still developing feel for consistent break with as well.
Considering his 2017 was a return year from Tommy John, Quantrill’s success, reaching AA, is even more notable in his first full season as a pro. He should get his shot at AAA to open 2018, and the San Diego Padres rotation could be his destination by the end of the season.
3. Michel Baez, RHP
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 1/21/1996 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: Arizona Rookie League Padres, low-A Fort Wayne TinCaps
2017 Stats: 11 GS, 63 2/3 IP, 2.54 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 4.1% BB, 36.6% K
Info: Not the biggest name of their 2016-2017 Cuban signees, the San Diego Padres gave the towering Baez a $3 million bonus. He spent an extra couple of months in extended spring, but once he was turned loose on minor league hitters, he was absolutely dominant.
Baez comes downhill with a mid-90s fastball that can touch 98-99 from his 6’8″ frame. He pairs his double-plus fastball with a slider that can work up to 90 and sits in the upper-80s and has incredible hard break when he stays on top of it. His change has impressive arm-side run. His curve works in the upper 70s with a spike movement, and he gets plenty of weak contact.
What was most impressive about Baez’s 2017 was his elite command and control. He could stand to waste a pitch or two now and again, but there is nothing wrong with having to learn how to miss the strike zone rather than how to find it!
With his advanced control and premium stuff, Baez could be a quick mover in the San Diego Padres system. He’ll likely open in AA, and his stuff gives him the chance to be a future ace.
Next: #1 and #2