MLB Pipeline’s latest draft mock has Padres taking 6-foot-8 high school pitcher

MLB Pipeline released its first mock draft leading up to the 2025 draft later next month. The Padres, who have the 25th pick this year, are projected to pick a unique player with ridiculous athleticism.

Kruz Schoolcraft is a 6-foot-8 left-handed pitcher from Portland, Oregon. The 18-year-old boasts a 98 MPH fastball and an 88 MPH slider. He has excellent raw athleticism, which has contributed to his overall scouting grade of 55. As the No. 11 draft prospect according to MLB Pipeline, getting Schoolcraft as the 25th pick would be a steal.

His fastball and slider are both graded at 60, while his changeup is graded 55, and his control is graded 50.

Schoolcraft might remind the Padres of a very similar prospect they drafted in the second round. They selected another 6-foot-8 left-handed pitcher out of high school in 2024 named Boston Bateman. If Padres President of Baseball Operations AJ Preller liked Bateman, it would make sense that he might like Schoolcraft as well.

Schoolcraft was named as the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year, crowning him as the best high school baseball player in Oregon. Last year, as a junior, Schoolcraft won the award by pitching to a 10-1 record with a 0.39 ERA in 32 games. He struck out 146 batters in 71 2/3 innings.

Could Kruz be a two-way player?

What makes Schoolcraft such an enticing draft choice is his potential to be a two-way player. While he is more highly regarded for his arm, Schoolcraft also has a powerful swing, and played first base when he was not pitching in high school.

Pipeline calls him a 'legitimate two-way standout,' and says his bat alone makes him draftable. In high school, he batted .506 in 2024, with seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and a 1.517 OPS.

It is clear that Schoolcraft has the tools to be a great player at the MLB level. He is tall, throws hard, and hits for power. Currently committed to the University of Tennessee, the Padres would need to convince him to skip college and come straight to the minor leagues if they do select him.