4 under-the-radar untouchable prospects in the Padres' system

The San Diego Padres are expected once again to get busy at this year's trade deadline. With the team in the thick of a heated NL Wild Card race, they will need to make improvements before July 31st to prepare for the stretch run.

However, AJ Preller and the rest of the organization need to be careful they do not end up trading away a future star. Here are four under-the-radar Padres' prospects who should be untouchable at the deadline.

1. Francis Pena, RHP, Padres No. 18 Prospect

Pena has all the tools to be a talented reliever someday for the Padres. Part of his low ranking probably has to due with his limited repertoire of pitches. He throws just a fastball and a cutter, but both pitches are graded at 60 by MLB Pipeline. The 24-year-old has pitched well in Triple-A this year and is probably ready for the big leagues. He's had success at every level of the Padres' system, so if feels like he should be able to continue that in the MLB.

2. Kai Roberts, OF, Padres No. 23 Prospect

San Diego's seventh-round pick from 2024 has struggled in his month-and-a-half playing in High-A ball. However, he feels like the type of player who could contribute at a major league level soon, even if his bat never comes together. That's because, according to his scouting grades on MLB Pipeline, he has a run tool graded at 70 and a fielding tool graded at 60. He'd be the natural replacement for someone like Brandon Lockridge, as a defense-first fourth-outfielder. His speed makes him valuable on the basepaths as well. He has stolen 34 bases in 74 minor league games.

3. Sean Barnett, RHP/DH, Padres No. 28 Prospect

Barnett's value comes from his ability to both hit and throw. Chances are, he won't be the next Shohei Ohtani, but the Padres would still be wise to hang onto their two-way prospect. It's rare for players to both pitch and DH in the minor leagues, and Barnett is doing it. So far, he's been more valuable at the plate, with a .715 OPS in A-ball this year.

4. Jhoan De La Cruz, SS, Padres No. 27 Prospect

It's hard to know what De La Cruz might turn into for the Padres down the road. The 17-year-old has played just 30 games in rookie ball so far, and while he has decent numbers (.471 OBP, .724 OPS), it's impossible to predict how he will develop. That's exactly why San Diego should hold onto him, at least for now. He's a young, switch-hitting shortstop who plays sound defense. If that sounds familiar, it's because it is a similar archetype to previous Padres success stories like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill.