San Diego Padres: Xavier Edwards and Grant Little Join The Organization

The San Diego Padres drafted an interesting mix of prospects on day one of the MLB Draft. What does each of these guys bring to the organization?

We already highlighted the San Diego Padres first-round pick, LHP Ryan Weathers out of Loretto High School in Tennesee, but what about the other two players selected on day one?

With the 38th overall pick, the Padres selected another high school player, however, this time they went offense. Xavier Edwards, a 5’10”, 155-pound shortstop out of North Broward Prep in Florida, earned a number of 80 grades (20-80 scale) on his blazing speed.

Many projections had Edwards as a first-round pick, with questions about whether or not he would sign with the team that drafted him or honor his commitment to Vanderbilt University. With the Padres going under-slot by selecting Ryan Weathers in the first round, they should be able to offer Edwards an above-slot signing bonus to, hopefully, persuade him.

The only big hole in his game appears to be his lack of power and that is fine. With elite speed and a high-contact tool, Edwards (switch-hitter) profiles as a true leadoff hitter at the pro level. John Sickels of MinorLeagueBall.com believes his glove and arm strength can stick at shortstop as he moves up through the ranks.

San Diego Padres go college route with Grant Little.

More from Friars on Base

• Padres fighting with hated rival to sign quality veteran relief pitcher
• Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher

Little, a 6’1″ outfielder out of Texas Tech, showed a big increase in his power production during his sophomore season with the Red Raiders. Little jacked 12 home runs while hitting .380 and walking 40 times, compared to just 32 strikeouts.

According to eye-witness reports from the guys over at 2080ball.com, Little has enough arm strength to play centerfield, however, the Padres are pretty loaded at the position. Expect to see Little play the majority of his time in left field. Little’s biggest contribution to the organization will be his hit tool.

The draft pick used to select Little was the pick the Padres acquired from the Minnesota Twins in the Phil Hughes trade.

Next: Padres Go High School LHP For Second Straight Year

Stay tuned as the MLB continues to roll on Tuesday and Wednesday with rounds 3-40 taking place on MLB.com.