San Diego Padres: Four Prospects We Will Soon See In The Top 100

Yesterday, we discussed the seven San Diego Padres prospects who earned a spot on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. Today, we’re highlighting four prospects who did not make the list, but may find themselves in the next Top 100 publication.

Naturally, after the release of a top prospects list, one of the first questions asked is, who just missed out? While the San Diego Padres have seven prospects on the current list, there are a number of others who will find themselves in the top 100 very soon.

Today, I want to take a quick glance at four prospects who I believe will be on a Top 100 list in the next year or two. One of these, I believe, will appear on the midseason updated version of this year’s Top 100.

The players mentioned here are in no particular order. Also, keep in mind, all but one of these prospects has yet to play in full-season ball. Once we see how they play against more advanced talent, we’ll have a better idea of what the future holds for these players. However, here are the four I’m highest on.

Jeisson Rosario is a future top of the order hitter for the San Diego Padres.

Jeisson Rosario joined the Padres in 2016 as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic. He received a $1.85 million bonus and made his debut in 2017 with the Arizona League Padres.

By completely skipping the Dominican Summer League, Rosario played against athletes two-three years older than him, on average. The age difference didn’t seem to have any negative impact on the 18-year-old’s game.

Rosario appeared in 52 games and slashed .299/.404/.369/.773. He showed extreme patience at the plate, drawing 33 walks while striking out just 36 times. Rosario added one home run, 10 doubles, and eight stolen bases along the way.

Other than the high on-base percentage, two other statistics stand out. Rosario, a left-handed batter, hit .362 against left-handed pitchers (.279 against RHP). He also hit .385 with runners in scoring position.

Rosario finished the 2017 season ranked 17th on the San Diego Padres’ Top 30 list. There’s no reason not to believe that he won’t begin 2018 at least a few spots higher.

Defensively, Rosario brings plus-speed, more than capable of handling center field duties at the major league level. Scouts believe his arm strength fits well in right field, should he be forced to move over as he progresses.

It’s the bat that will take Rosario far up the organizational ladder. Take a look at his swing below. Rosario shows the ability to get his hands through the zone fairly quickly and drive the ball. He doesn’t project as a power hitter but does exhibit a lot of gap power.

Rosario’s ceiling is that of every-day, top-of-the-order hitter for the Padres. At worst, he’s a fourth/fifth outfielder with an above-average glove and decent speed. Regardless, Rosario is only 18 so there’s plenty of time for him to work his way through the system.