Padres' 2025 third-round pick delivers standout debut performance

You wouldn’t think that the San Diego Padres would have any more solid prospects to offer after the fire sale at the deadline. But it seems that the team still has talent making its way up the farm system rankings. Ryan Wideman made his debut with the Lake Elsinore Storm on Tuesday, the Padres’ Single-A affiliate, and he made an instant impact. The 21-year-old went 3-for-5 with three singles and two RBIs.

Selected in the third round of this year’s draft, Wideman played his college ball at Western Kentucky University, where he slashed .398/.466/.652 and tallied a total of 97 hits. On top of that, Wideman was also a constant threat on the base paths, as he stole a program-record 45 bags.

Padres prospect Ryan Wideman begins pro career on solid ground after successful collegiate career

Starting every game in center field for the Hilltoppers, Wideman played exceptional defense, leading the team to a top-three finish in the Conference USA standings. The highlight of his college career came when he robbed Vanderbilt of a walk-off home run. This, along with his performance at the plate, shows us what he could turn into as a player, with just a little bit of fine-tuning.

The San Diego Padres’ farm system underwent a massive overhaul at the trade deadline, as the team shipped off a total of 13 prospects in exchange for MLB talent. Not saying it was bad to do that, but the team sold its entire future in hopes of bringing a World Series home this year.

Leo De Vries, one of the prospects dealt at the deadline, ranked No. 3 overall according to MLB Pipeline. So, it is obvious that the Padres are going to have to work hard at developing the young talent that they have.

This is why seeing solid production from players like Ryan Wideman is so important, as it gives the Friars a prospect to develop as he makes his way up the minor-league system.