2 slam dunks and 1 major question for Padres after 2025 MLB Draft

The San Diego Padres didn’t have a full slate of picks to work with on the first night of the 2025 MLB Draft. However, that didn’t stop them from making a serious impact.

With just two selections on Day 1, A.J. Preller and the front office did what they’ve earned a reputation for: swinging big and trusting their scouting instincts. While Preller is notorious for flipping prospects in high-profile trades, there’s no denying the Padres consistently identify and develop high-upside talent at an elite level.

Night one felt like a win, maybe even a home run with tools and upside with their top pick. Day two, however, introduced at least one major question that could shape the franchise’s direction in the near future. Let’s dive into the two slam-dunk picks and the biggest question lingering after the Padres’ 2025 draft class.

Padres draft day slam dunks

No. 25 Overall Pick - RHP Kruz Schoolcraft

6-foot-8 two-way phenom Kruz Schoolcraft has the kind of raw tools that make scouts and player development departments salivate. The fastball lacks a bit of carry at times due to below-average spin, but that’s more of a refinement issue than a red flag. What elevates his profile even further is a tight slider in the low 80s that already flashes wipeout potential. Scouts believe his natural feel for spin could eventually unlock even more velocity and movement as he matures physically and tightens his mechanics.

And for all the upside on the mound, Schoolcraft isn’t just a project arm. He can hit. As a first baseman, he moves with surprising agility for his size, and his glove work around the bag is crisp and natural. He was initially projected for the 2026 draft class but reclassified to 2025 — a bold decision that shows just how confident he and his camp are in his development curve. If he chooses to honor his commitment to Tennessee, the Vols plan to let him continue as a legitimate two-way player, underscoring just how versatile and gifted this kid is.

Schoolcraft made it clear after the draft that he’s ready to go to work — whether that’s on the mound or in the batter’s box. His mindset, maturity, and mound presence already scream pro-ready, and the Padres might’ve just landed one of the most exciting high-upside prospects in the entire draft.

No. 99 Overall Pick - OF Ryan Wideman

The Padres may have a glaring hole in the outfield today, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking two or three steps ahead. With Jackson Merrill as a steady presence in center field and Fernando Tatis Jr. holding it down in right, the long-term picture is starting to take shape. What’s missing? A potential impact bat in left field. That’s where third-round pick Ryan Wideman enters the conversation.

A college product out of Western Kentucky, Wideman brings the kind of raw athleticism and toolsy upside that has become a hallmark of A.J. Preller’s draft strategy. At 6-foot-5 with a 70-grade run tool and legitimate raw power, he’s built like a prototype for modern outfield production. He still needs time to polish his approach — particularly in pitch recognition and swing path, but the ingredients are there for something special. Coaches rave about his work ethic, and with the right mechanical refinements, Wideman could develop into a true threat on both sides of the ball.

Defensively, he’s capable of handling all three outfield spots thanks to his speed and instincts, though left field seems like the natural long-term fit. Offensively, the ceiling is high. The Padres don’t need him to arrive tomorrow — they just need him to keep trending in the right direction. If he does, Wideman could round out one of the most athletic and dynamic outfields in the National League within a couple seasons.

Padres pick that raises a major question

No. 340 Overall Pick - C Truitt Madonna

There’s a big “what if” lingering from the Padres’ 2025 draft haul — and it centers on a potentially electric pitcher-catcher duo that might never be. In the 11th round, San Diego selected high school catcher Truitt Madonna, a teammate of first-round pick Kruz Schoolcraft at the Area Code Games. The connection is compelling: two elite prep talents, already familiar with each other’s game, potentially growing together in the same organization. But whether that dream becomes reality hinges on one critical question — can the Padres sign him?

Madonna isn’t your typical late-round flier. He held his own against advanced competition in the MLB Draft League while suiting up for the Frederick Keys, posting an impressive .872 OPS against mostly older, college-level arms. That performance drew the eyes of Padres scouting director Chris Kemp, who cited Madonna’s at-bats against higher velocity pitching as a key reason for their conviction in his ability. “A kid like Truitt Madonna goes to the Draft League and does what he does, you’re really convicted that this is real,” Kemp said.

Still, the road to signing him isn’t clear. Madonna is currently committed to UCLA, and given where he was selected, it’s entirely possible he chooses to honor that commitment, bet on himself, and aim for a higher draft slot in a future year. From a development standpoint, it might be the smarter play for him. But from a Padres perspective, it would mean losing out on the rare opportunity to develop a high school battery with pre-built chemistry and upside on both sides of the ball.

The Padres are no strangers to navigating tricky situations, but this one feels particularly high-stakes. If they can convince Madonna to join the fold, it could be the beginning of something special. If not, it’s a tantalizing “what could’ve been” in a draft class otherwise loaded with promise.