The Padres pick number six overall in this year’s 2019 Amateur Player Draft. I thought I’d delve into some potential targets I like for the Friars, and some I think could make sense (albeit very early on). Here is their current top 80 prospects.
OF: Corbin Carroll, Lakeside (WA)
Carroll is listed at a generous 5′ 10″, 170Lbs; a classic example of his size being over-scrutinized for a potential top 10 pick coming out of High School. That seems like nitpicking for a producer during showcases, All-Star games and a player who took home the MVP honors for the Perfect Game All American. Speaking of PG, they’ve had him in the 97.31 percentile in exit velocity, and 91MPH from the OF, and a 6.33 (99.36 percentile) 60-yard-dash. In addition to being a legitimate 5-tool talent.
Carroll has simply hit nonstop, and has some helium despite his dubbed “undersized” profile. He possesses his aforementioned plus-plus speed, well above average defense and a true future 60 hit-tool. Some believe the power will come as he matures, much like some other undersized top hitters such as, Andrew Benintendi.
SS: CJ Abrams, Blessed Trinity HS (GA)
Abrams is listed at 6′-1″, 178lbs, has elite speed, and while some believe his quickness could keep him at the premium position (at shortstop), other evaluators believe he isn’t fluid enough with his actions and glove work, and would be more suited at 2B or CF — where his best tool (game-changing speed) would be more utilized. While he is known to be one of the fastest in this year’s draft class, that almost upstages what he can do at the plate. While many of his hits standout for being infield-knocks he legs out, and of the bunt variety, he has good bat speed and surprising pop from the left side of the plate.
He has a strong arm that could work well in the outfield or play advantageous as a quick second baseman you can envision turning double-plays with ease. His upside reminds some of Royce Lewis and Xavier Edwards.
OF/1B: Kameron Misner, (MO)
Misner is a big left-handed hitter, listed at 6″-4′, 220 lbs, has above average tools across the board, and despite an injury last spring, could have helium going into the draft even though he may have been somewhat underrated. He hit an absurd triple slash, .360/.497/.576 with 1.073 OPS and led the nation in walks (at the time of his injury).
He has played ample time at 1B, but with his plus-speed, above average arm, and overall athleticism (despite his size) could play well in the outfield. As a hitter, there is obvious project-ability. He could really tap into his power with his size in the future, and it’s not hard to dream on with his track record of in-game success, aforementioned big time raw power and showcase exit velocities to all fields, excellent quiet and controlled approach and pitch recognition, with elite bat speed — in addition to him getting better every year. One of my favorite prospects in this year’s draft class.
OF: Riley Greene, Hagerty HS (FL)
Greene at 6′-1″, 190lbs, is a consensus top-10 talent and the best pure high school hitter coming into this draft class. He has put on absolute shows at events, consistently barreling balls to all fields with an advanced approach and increased power, with impressive exit velocities and hard contact could have him off the board before the Padres pick at number 6.
He reminds me somewhat of Michael Brantley. Moreover, like Brantley, because he does have well below arm strength and below average speed that will limit him to a corner OF spot. However, if you are a believer in his bat (as most scouts are), he could go anywhere after the 3rd pick in this year’s draft. Plenty of upside here.
3B: Josh Jung, Texas Tech
Jung may not be the most projectable third baseman as he’s probably done filling out (for the most part), listed at 6″-2, 215lbs, but he’s hit everywhere and doesn’t have a clear hole in his game. While he might not have an eye-popping ceiling for a third baseman, he might have one of the better floor and upside combinations in the draft. Thus far, he has let the ball travel frequently in-game, and has been comfortable going to right field, controlling the strike-zone with a quiet approach, barreling balls easily and hard.
In addition, he also possesses plus bat speed and the raw power to turn into a prototypical third baseman, if he can put it all together. Defensively, while on the slower end of the spectrum, gets solid reviews for his baseball instincts, actions and strong arm.
3B/2B: Tyler Callihan, Providence HS (FL)
Callihan, a relatively smaller stature infielder, has a stocky and strong lower half he utilizes well at the plate, generating ample drive with modest lift to all fields. Because of his smaller stature as a third baseman, he could fit the Daniel Murphy or Jedd Gyorko type mold moving forward.
Not the most fluid defender and dubbed “undersized”, but another bat-first 60-grade hitter with an advanced approach, constant hard contact, barreling balls all over effortlessly, with legitimate future plus-power potential — as he has controlled the strike zone almost stupidly good.
Honorable mentions
Rece Hinds: with huge easy 70-grade power with massive upside, with some in-game success (albeit with big swing-and-miss). Hit an absolute monster home-run at Petco Park during a PG showcase into the Western Metal building.
Daniel Espino: projectable pitcher consistently touching 99 MPH as an 18 year-old while showing two promising secondary offerings.
Jerrion Early, much like two-way Kyler Murray, elite athleticism but a more polished baseball player with stupid upside and as much (if not more) project-ability, that may alleviate some of those same concerns. His sign-ability could also come into play.