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San Diego Padres: Sleepers to get to know in the MLB Draft

ByLogan Whaley|
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Entering day two of the Major League Baseball first-year player draft, there are plenty of “sleepers” available for the Padres to choose from.

The San Diego Padres continued their draft trend on Wednesday night, taking Independence high school outfielder Robert Hassell III. It is the fourth straight year where General Manager A.J. Preller has selected a high schooler with the club’s first-round pick.

Preller has found success in his selection of prep stars. In 2017 it was MacKenzie Gore, who many expect to be a leader for the Padres for years to come. In 2018 Preller selected another high school arm in Ryan Weathers. Last year it was shortstop CJ Abrams. While their track record is unorthodox, Preller has found success in signing each of those past selections.

As we enter day two of the MLB draft, the Padres are slated to choose eighth (No.45 overall) in the second round. Their next choice does not come until pick number 80, and so it is time to dive into some draft day “sleepers” who could fit well with San Diego’s model.

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San Diego Padres: Noah Bridges, OF, UNC Wilmington

Baseball America has Bridges ranked as their 263rd overall prospect on their top 500. Bridges has been a three-year starter at UNC Wilmington. As a freshman, Bridges played in 60 games accruing 198 at-bats. He slashed an underwhelming .247/.307/.318, zero home runs, and 12 RBI.

As his freshman season wasn’t great at the plate, the lefty did steal 14 bases, relying on his speed and defense to earn a role with the Seahawks. Bridges has displayed a strong arm, and his speed should help him play a central role.

The Padres already have number five overall prospect Taylor Trammell slated for their center field role, which opens up an opportunity should the Padres land, or sign, Bridges. He is not expected to profile as an everyday outfielder, but, possesses the intangibles to be a depth utility outfielder who could stick on his speed and defense alone.

San Diego Padres: Jimmy Glowenke, SS, Dallas Baptist

As a name who you don’t expect to hear in the top half of the draft, Glowenke has quietly impressed in his time at Dallas Baptist. As a Patriot, Glowenke hit .336 as a freshman, .328 as a sophomore, and .415 as a junior before the college baseball season was cut short.

Scouts believe Glowenke will need to eventually move to second base as he does not possess the foot speed to stick at shortstop at the major league level. Glowenke did also require elbow surgery, which may affect his arm strength, making second base a much more favorable position.

Baseball America has him ranked as their No.111 prospect in their top 500 and believe he could be selected at the back half of the draft. He does carry the potential for double-digit home run power, and the bat will be his carrying strength at the next levels.

San Diego Padres: Jacob Teter, 1B, Florida Southern

Standing in a massive 6’6″ frame, Florida Southern first baseman Jacob Teter has earned tons of praise from scouts on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. First, Teter carries top-of-the-line raw power as he hit seven home runs in 22 games before the season shut down.

He slashed .329/.485/.618 with a 1.104 OPS in 101 plate appearances in 2020. Teter also managed to outweigh his walks (82) to strikeouts (80) in his college career. In each of his three years with the Moccasins, Teter managed over a .400 on-base percentage.

Split by scouts defensively, Teter has been praised for his work at the corner by many scouts. There is a group that still sees him as a below-average defender, but it is something Teter can continue to hone. The Padres could be in the market for a first base prospect, and it certainly could turn into Teter at the back end of this draft.

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