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Padres: 15 players to protect in hypothetical expansion draft

By Ryan Sikes

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 13: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on April 13, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 13: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on April 13, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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San Diego Padres, Taylor Trammell
(Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Where does Ty France fit into the Padres’ plans?

11. Taylor Trammell

Trammell was making a case to crack the Opening Day roster before he was among the second wave of cuts. The former 35th overall pick of the 2016 MLB Draft is the real deal. The Padres made a minor tweak to his swing at the end of the year, and he responded by homering twice in his final four regular-season games. Expect him to be added to the 30-man expanded roster if there is a shortened season.

12. Ty France

Despite being drafted so late, France has made the most of his time and could find a considerable amount of playing time at second base this year. He nearly hit .400 in 76 Triple-A games last year. Once called up, his stock took a dip, but he displayed tremendous raw power and sound defense at second base.

13. Tommy Pham

Pham is one of the most underrated outfielders in baseball. He’s accumulated a .385 on-base percentage over the last two years in Tampa, and the Padres are hoping that carries over. He’s only under contract through the 2021 season, but don’t be surprised if the Padres have him stick around beyond next year. He’s one player that perhaps has benefited the most from the shutdown, given his elbow injury.

14. Jake Cronenworth

Acquired as part of the Pham trade, Jake Cronenworth has yet to make his big league debut, but he hit .334 in 94 games for the Rays’ Triple-A outfit last year. He has displayed tremendous patience and the ability to get on-base. His playing time is unclear right now, and he could have benefited from another two weeks of spring training to potentially stand out.

Next. Prospects destined for expanded roster. dark

15. Dinelson Lamet

Under team control through the 2023 season, Lamet has elite spin rate on his breaking balls. He’s been tabbed as a dark horse Cy Young candidate and could potentially benefit from a shortened season, as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He was off to a terrific start in spring training, striking out 11 batters in three starts while allowing just three hits in nine innings.

What does your list look like?

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