Even with several top prospects graduating to the majors last year, the San Diego Padres still have an impressive farm system.
If a team is going to rebuild through the farm system without tanking for the top picks in the draft, the San Diego Padres may well be the model franchise. After their decision to go all in backfired in 2015, the Padres sold off most of their major league assets while identifying those players that could be a part of the future.
That extended into free agency. Yes, the Padres were rebuilding, but they also spent money in free agency when they felt the right fit was available. Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado were surprising additions, but each was signed to a long term contract with the thought that they would be a key part of the Padres next window of contention. But the prospects needed to develop.
Some of the fruits of the farm system have already come to San Diego. Chris Paddack is emerging as a top of the rotation starter. Fernando Tatis Jr.is a star in the making. The Padres are starting to emerge, but are still a year or two away as they await more reinforcements, either in free agency or from the minors.
Let’s take a look at some of those players that could be a key part of the San Diego Padres run over the next few years.