San Diego Padres: Jorge Oña is looking to break into outfield

The San Diego Padres have quietly been building a powerhouse team, the most impressive aspect of which may lie in their minor league system.

HIALEAH,FL– Jorge Oña signed with the San Diego Padres in 2016 for a $7M bonus. He was part of a Habana Sub-23 team that included Lazaro Armenteros, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Miguel Vargas and Yusniel Díaz; all future signees by big-league teams.

“I would love to one day return to play in Cuba with Industriales, due to the fact that I didn’t receive a lot playing time when I was there,” Oña told me.

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He had a promising 2017, his first season in pro ball at Fort Wayne hitting .264 will 11 homers and 64 runs batted in.

Although he struggled in 2018 in A+ (Lake Elsinore) and was injured, he returned in 2019 with a passion hitting .348 with 5 long balls in 25 games last year at AA (Amarillo).

The outfielder has an array of tools, the most prevalent one being his enormous power. Many scouts have likened him to Albert Belle.

Being out of action last year caused him to drop to #26 in the organization’s prospect chart, but don’t think that is a reflection on his talent. This spring Oña flashed his power stroke when he connected for a home run off his countrymen, Raisel Iglesias.

The outfielder has a strong compact swing and a good arm. He’s projected by scouts to be a corner outfielder. His uncommonly fast hands generate good bat speed and aid his stroke. Oña also has equal power to any part of the yard.

” My goal for this season is to stay healthy so I can play in the most games possible. I also want to focus on my swing and any adjustments I have to make.”

Oña figures to start the season at AAA (El Paso) and could make his way to the Padres roster before the season’s end.

The patient San Diego Padres are finally about to bear the fruit of a prospect that looks to be a consistent power hitter for years to come.