San Diego Padres: MLB Draft Wish List

The San Diego Padres first two picks come at #7 and #38 (Competitive Balance Round A)

We previously highlighted Nolan Gorman and Carter Stewart as two of the top prospects the San Diego Padres should target. You can check out the full report on Gorman here. He’s a high school third baseman with the defensive abilities to stick at the position. Gorman flashes some of the best raw power in the draft and an above-average hit tool.

Drawing from the full report on Carter Stewart, he has the best curveball in the draft. Correction, he has one of the best curveballs at any level of baseball, amateur or pro. With a fastball that now sits in the mid-90s, Stewart is a high-ceiling, high-risk prospect. Investments in right-handed high school pitchers tend to backfire more often than not and Stewart brings his own injury concerns with him. However, if his fastball can play in the minor leagues, he could be a fast riser in the system.

Jonathan India, 3B, University of Florida

Let’s throw one more name out there for pick number seven, Jonathan India. A third baseman out of the University of Florida, India may be a slight reach with the seventh overall pick, however, he’s one of the safest picks in the entire draft.

India hit .372 with the Gators this year and reached base in 50% of his plate appearances. He chipped in 17 home runs and walked just as many times as he struck out (47). Reports indicate that his game-power may subside in pro ball, but his feel for the strike zone and hit tool are for real.

The Padres farm system may be deep overall, but third base is a weaker position for the team. India should be a fast mover through the ranks and provide intense competition for Hudson Potts.

Other names to keep an eye on with pick number seven: Jarred Kelenic (OF, Waukesha HS), Matthew Liberatore (LHP, Mountain Ridge HS), Ryan Rolison (LHP, Ole Miss)

A familiar name may be a possibility at pick number 38.

Odds aren’t high that he will be around when the Padres pick again at 38, however, if Noah Naylor is available, take him.

The younger brother of current San Antonio Missions outfielder/first baseman Josh Naylor, Noah is a catcher out of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School in Ontario, Canada. Perfect Game USA has a recorded pop time of 1.78 and his arm strength behind the plate is fantastic.

At 6’1″ and 195 pounds, Naylor possesses a strong hit tool and is beginning to tap into his power. With questions surrounding Austin Hedge’s future and the defense of Austin Allen, taking a high-upside catcher would be a great addition to the system.

Remember Jeff Conine?

Jeff Conine’s son, Griffin Conine, entered his senior season at Duke as a potential top 10 draft pick. Unfortunately, an early slump has caused the attention surrounding him to cool off.

Conine finished the year with 15 home runs, 13 doubles, and 36 walks. He projects as a future corner outfielder with above-average power from the left-side of the plate.

While the Padres are loaded with high-potential teenage outfielders, Conine projects as a major league outfielder who can hit for average and power with a glove that won’t hurt you on defense. If enough teams shy away from him, the Padres stand a small chance of grabbing the former Blue Devil.

Another name to keep an eye on here: Tim Cate (LHP, UCONN).