As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
The Padres are no strangers to trading their prospects, but this past trade deadline really decimated the top end of this system. That is the cost of doing business in San Diego lately as they continue to try and trade their way to the top of the division and a World Series title. Still, trading Leo De Vries hurts. Entering the season they have a trio of pitchers who can get into upper-90's and triple digits in Miguel Mendez, Bradgley Rodriguez, and David Morgan. They retooled in the draft a little bit with physical monsters Kruz Schoolcraft and Ryan Wideman. On the surface this system is towards the bottom of the league, but the Padres do always seem to have ammo on the farm to make moves in trades, so continuing to develop these players will be key.
About Our Top 20 Lists
Prospects Live, led by its evaluating team & Director of Scouting Rhys White, is proud to begin rolling out its annual offseason system reports. The team combines industry feedback, our live looks, film, and available data to compile each org. We believe this effort has enabled us to present you, the reader, with our best possible view of the prospects in the organization.
We have constructed this list using the Overall Future Potential (OFP) scale. There is no perfect equation for ranking prospects or assigning value to them, but we believe this method is the best possible approach. Every prospect on this list has been graded based on the tried and true 20-80 scouting scale. An 80 is the highest tool and OFP grade on the scale, reserved for MVP-caliber players or tools. Conversely, a 20 is reserved for non-prospects (NPs). A 50 OFP falls in the middle, indicating our evaluators deem this player a future average major league player. Below the 50 OFP tier are the 45s and 40s, comprising a large majority of players on each list. These are specific-role players, such as platoon hitters, utility players, or low-leverage relievers. Above the 50 OFP tier are the 55s and 60s. A 55 represents a future above-average player, and a 60 OFP designation is reserved for future All-Star caliber players.
In addition to the tool grades and OFP, we will also include a 'Risk' associated with each prospect. We use this to better communicate to you, the reader, whether a grade is more aggressive or conservative in nature. The evaluation team has worked hard to apply both the grades and risk components to better illustrate how each individual prospect stacks up in their respective system and in the baseball ecosystem.
Miguel Mendez is an explosive arm talent, and despite a wiry frame, he generates upper-end velocity using his entire body. His fastball touches 99 mph and typically sits 94-96 throughout a start. There is a path toward fringy-to-average command as he accumulates more innings, but the command backed up on him in Double-A to end 2025. Mendez moves with intent and athleticism. His windup begins with a simple step back before moving into an up-tempo, counter-rotated leg lift to his chest. From peak lift, he accelerates smoothly down the mound with an open landing at foot strike, working heel to toe. He unwinds his stored energy as he whips his arm through into a three-quarters slot, accompanied by a noticeable head snap at release. The arm works loosely despite the effort, though. The four-seamer is a buzzsaw at the top of the zone, generating whiffs when elevated in the upper third. Even with an above-average release height, the fastball can bully hitters in and just out of the zone with it. Maintaining carry and execution will be critical as he adjusts to an MLB ball, which could slightly contract the shape. Even with that adjustment, the pitch projects as plus and can flash better when reaching back for more velocity. Mendez’s slider is another impact offering, grading plus with double-plus potential. At 81-85 mph, it shows a late, sharp tilt and can shift between a more horizontal shape and a downer “death ball” when buried below the zone. He also mixes in a firmer cutter with almost slutter traits, throwing it in the upper 80s with more lift. Mendez also had a harder changeup that can fade away from opposite-handed hitters when he stays on top of it. Usage will depend heavily on command and better count leverage, as the fastball–slider combo can drive his success to either handedness with better locations. San Diego will emphasize strike-throwing after a dominant High-A performance (1.32 ERA in 12 starts). Mendez struggled in Double-A San Antonio, where walks spiked along with his ERA. The upside of his tools has the Padres envisioning a No. 4-to-3 starter with fringy command. If he’s more below-average command, he still has a future as a high-leverage bullpen arm. - Brandon Tew
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Dynasty player of 10+ years. Helping you find the building blocks of your championship rosters as a co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023, joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
