Hard-throwing Padres prospect could make Tanner Scott's departure easier to bear

No need to fret, Padres fans. If Tanner Scott, one of the most dangerous relievers in Major League Baseball, is heading out the door, there could be an in-house solution available in due time. Scott was traded from Miami to San Diego as a rental in late July to bolster a club that was looking to make a big-time postseason push, so he was never guaranteed to remain with the Pads for long.

Scott got the job done with the Padres, posting 31 strikeouts and a 2.73 ERA in 26 1/3 innings during the regular season, adding five scoreless playoff appearances against the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. He will be the most sought-after reliever in baseball this winter and likely won't return to San Diego. Although that is a difficult farewell, the Padres may have a fitting replacement in the minor leagues as a response to the flamethrower's departure.

Padres' top prospect Francis Pena could fill in for Tanner Scott in 2025

Francis Pena, San Diego's No. 13 overall prospect and eighth-best pitching prospect, could be the next guy in line. Padres insider AJ Cassavell seems to think that Pena is primed for a slot in the bullpen in 2025. Backed by a 70-grade fastball and solid run on his pitches, Pena is definitely an arm to be excited about moving forward.

Pena worked his way up from High-A to Triple-A this season. The 23-year-old struggled a bit in three of his 15 Triple-A appearances, which inflated his ERA to 5.17, but in those 12 other outings with El Paso, he surrendered only two runs in 13 innings. If he has a good month to kick off the Triple-A season in 2025, that could sway the Padres to be aggressive, which often leans into their preference.

He has a few kinks to work out, but Pena is projected to be a Major League reliever next year. There's a reason he skyrocketed through the minors, among a few other Friars youngsters, so the Padres may have a great option with an All-Star in Tanner Scott likely setting sail for another organization.