4 Padres draft picks from 2024 who already look like huge steals

The San Diego Padres have some newer prospects making noise. Top prospects like Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas generally steal the minor league headlines among Friars players, but other guys have been performing well out of the gate.

Just last year, the Padres selected almost two-dozen players, and some are showing to be steals of the draft. Picked in a round as early as the fourth, and as late as the 17th, Zach Evans, Ryan Jackson, Tyson Neighbors, and Kasen Wells have been producing one month into the season.

San Diego Padres prospect report: 2024 MLB Draft picks showing early signs of development

Zach Evans

Drafted in the ninth round, Evans was taken out of Lenoir-Rhyne College in North Carolina. In his first 20 games in professional ball, Evans is batting .329 (27-for-82) with eight extra-base hits, 21 RBIs, 15 runs, and nine walks.

The middle infielder is with Single-A Lake Elsinore, and is carrying an 11-game hitting streak entering April 29.

Ryan Jackson

A 17th round draft pick, Jackson - an infielder - played a little bit in 2024 following his selection. In 13 games last season, he picked up 12 hits, seven RBIs, and eight walks with Single-A Lake Elsinore.

He's carried that success over into 2025, too, and is riding an eight-game hitting streak. Still with the Storm, Jackson boasts a .510 on-base percentage entering April 29, drawing 28 walks and 23 hits in just 21 contests.

Tyson Neighbors

A fourth round selectee, Neighbors pitched 4 2/3 innings in Single A last year. He's already been promoted, and with High-A Fort Wayne, he has dialed up 16 strikeouts in 8 2/3 frames, allowing just one earned run.

The right-hander has done this out of the bullpen in seven appearances.

Kasen Wells

The 21-year-old outfielder was taken in the 16th round a year ago. Playing with Single-A Lake Elsinore, Wells has 14 stolen bases in 20 games, batting .288 with 11 walks and 21 runs scored.

Five of his last six games have gone for multiple hits, raising his batting average by 84 points over this span.