San Diego Padres: The future is now

The San Diego Padres have a bright future, given their excellent farm system and the plethora of top prospects that they have. That future is beginning to manifest now.

Even before the San Diego Padres allowed Jordan Lyles and Tyson Ross to depart via waivers, it was clear that they were not a part of the future. Both had been signed to one year contracts, and even though Lyles was given a team option for 2019, they were nothing more than placeholders. Eventually, the Padres would move on from both pitchers, something that happened on Sunday.

With that decision to move on from Lyles and Ross, the Padres have begun to take a look at their future. Prospects Brett Kennedy and Trey Wingenter have been called up to the majors, where they will be making their debuts. And those two may just be the beginning, as the Padres are planning on giving quite a few young players a look over the next few weeks.

Both players certainly deserved the opportunity. Wingenter, a former 17th round pick in the 2015 draft, has rocketed through the Padres system. He was solid in his first stint in AAA this season, posting a 3.45 ERA and a 1.195 WHiP for the El Paso Chihuahuas. Over 44.1 innings, Wingenter struck out 53 batters, but he also issued 24 walks. Armed with a fastball that can touch 100 MPH, and a respectable slider, he could be a key part of the bullpen for the foreseeable future if he can learn to command his arsenal.

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Joining Wingenter in San Diego is his AAA teammate Brett Kennedy. Kennedy was also drafted in 2015, selected in the 11th round. And, like Wingenter, he rocketed through the system. He has been quite effective in El Paso, posting a stellar 10-0 record, along with a 2.72 ERA and a 1.119 WHiP over his 16 appearances. In 89.1 innings, he has struck out 80 batters with only 23 walks.

Neither pitcher was considered to be amongst the Padres top 30 prospects at the beginning of the year. However, their performances dictated that they be brought up to the majors. If they can replicate their success at the major league level, then they may well find themselves as a part of that future the Padres keep looking towards.

Kennedy and Witgenter are just the beginning. Jacob Nix was promoted from AA to El Paso, and performed well in his first start. Logan Allen may be the next prospect to move up the ladder, and Chris Paddock has just reached San Antonio. Cal Quantrill may have struggled thus far in AA, but he may get a look at the major league level sooner than later. Add in the top arms in the lower levels, and the Padres pitching staff could be excellent in a few years.

For now, the future will begin with two under the radar prospects. However, given the performances of Brett Kennedy and Trey Witgenter this season, the San Diego Padres may have brought up two pieces of that future already.