San Diego Padres: Five Most Intriguing Selections Of 2018 Draft

#2) 2B Sean Guilbe, Muhlenberg High School (Pennsylvania)

A few pre-draft rankings listed Sean Guilbe as the top-ranked prep prospect in the state of Pennsylvania. Guilbe will now have to choose to either sign with the San Diego Padres or honor his commitment to the University of Tennessee.

Jonathan Mayo of MLB Pipeline discussed on air that a number of teams were looking at Guilbe in the fourth round because of his “real power.” As his high school team’s leadoff hitter, he mashed six home runs and posted a .941 slugging percentage and 1.622 OPS. He added six doubles, 21 stolen bases, and 39 walks.

The Padres made Guilbe their 12th round pick, however, with so many college players and under-slot guys being selected ahead of him, the Friars may have enough money to sway the young man into heading out to Arizona for rookie-ball.

While there is a lot of swing and miss with Guilbe, the power is real. There are questions surrounding his defense. He played third base in high school but most evaluations on him believe he is better suited for second base, the position the Padres tagged him with during the draft. Trying him out at third base won’t hurt, though, with no real depth at the position on the farm.

#1) SS Xavier Edwards, North Broward Prep High School (Florida)

Just when you thought this Padres farm system couldn’t get any faster, it does. San Diego made Edwards the 38th overall selection in the draft, despite his commitment to Vanderbilt (first-round pick Ryan Weathers is also committed to Vandy)

There are no questions surrounding his defense up the middle of a baseball field. He is listed as a shortstop and may very well stay there, should he reach the major leagues. Forget about the fact that the Padres have Fernando Tatis, Jr, Luis Urias, Gabriel Arias, etc (this list could go on and on), there is no such thing as having too many prospects.

Besides his blazing speed, 80/80 grade, Edwards has hit high-level pitching throughout high school and profiles as a leadoff hitter. Just watch this highlight reel of his. Pay special close attention to the very first play.

His baseball IQ is incredibly high and he’s routinely been described as very intelligent off the field (Vandy commit and both parents are teachers). This switch-hitting infielder is without a doubt the most intriguing prospect the Padres selected in this year’s draft.

Next: Logan Allen Has Been Spectacular

Rookie ball and short-season ball both begin in a few days, where we will get our first looks at these guys. The lava just got hotter, folks.