Padres Prospects Finish AFL Strong

The future of the San Diego Padres continues to look brighter as top prospects finished out play in the Arizona Fall League this past weekend. Carlos Asuaje, who was one of the players in the recent Boston Craig Kimbrel trade, finished on a high note with an 11 game hitting streak to finish out the league with a .329 batting average according to Bill Center of the San Diego Padres.

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Asuaje played second base in the league and is just 24 years old.

Padres outfield prospect Nick Torres also had a solid Arizona Fall League, hitting .264 with 2 HR and 7 RBI in 21 games. Through playing at both levels of A ball for the Padres, the Padres own instructional league and the AFL, the 22 year old is certainly looking forward to some time off.

Padres direct of player development Sam Geaney noted, “I think Torres had a nice overall AFL, I imagine he’s probably a bit tired.”

Right handed pitcher Ryan Butler continued his strong start in the AFL all the way through. Just 23 years old, he had 6 total appearances with 4 starts and appears to be on the right track to be with the Padres, possibly by 2017. He ended with a record of 3-1 and 2.45 ERA.

Third baseman Gabriel Quintana finished strong but overall hit to a disappointing tune of .226 with one home run in the abbreviated league.

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As AJ Preller continues to rebuild the farm system and do what he can with the major league talent to field a competitive team for the NL West and Wildcard, keep an eye on the farm as the Padres restock and reload.

The strength of the farm system is what led to the trades of last season and will be the key to the success of the Padres in the future. Preller came with a reputation of strong player development from Texas, and he hopes to build upon that reputation in San Diego.