Padres' disappointing spring outcome pushes rising arm back to Double-A

Everything was going according to plan, if not faster, for Miguel Mendez. The San Diego Padres' right-handed pitching prospect was on an expedited path throught the minor leagues in 2025, going from Single-A, to High-A, to Double-A at a rate that had Friars fans convinced he would be MLB ready for the 2026 campaign.

Following an unbelievable Double-A debut in August when he punched out 11 batters, Mendez — the No. 3 ranked San Diego prospect — ended the year on a rough note. The 23-year-old allowed 20 earned runs in his final 16.1 innings. We were hoping it was just a blip in his development, but Mendez carried those struggles into 2026.

Mendez did not impress at spring training, walking four and scattering five hits in two innings. This recent performance suggested that Mendez is perhaps nowhere near ready for the big leagues yet. He will begin the 2026 season with Double-A San Antonio, but hopefully he turns things around quick enough to return to the Padres' radar.

Padres top prospect Miguel Mendez will begin 2026 season with Double-A San Antonio

Maybe it wasn't fair to assume that Mendez was invincible. But Padres fans got excited after his dominant stretch with High-A Fort Wayne. Allowing nine earned runs across 12 starts, Mendez was exhibiting a level of dominance that isn't seen often. His fastball and slider make for a deadly combo, but it might be time to start limiting expectations.

Or at least until he gets his bearings this season. For all we know, Mendez could straight up dominate in Double-A, and we'll return here to bang down the door campaigning for him to get promoted to Triple-A. It's a fickle game, and when it's going rough, it forces us all to remember that these players aren't perfect. However, it is disappointing to see that Mendez's growth has been stunted as of recent. He can turn that right back around very soon, though.