Padres insider's prospect predictions hint at some intriguing new bullpen faces

The 2024 San Diego Padres had a pretty strong bullpen thanks to Robert Suarez and Adrián Morejón. However, just like any year, it could always be a little better. The good news for the Friars is that if they want to add some arms in relief, they may not have to look outside of their organization.

MLB.com's AJ Cassavell was combing through the Padres' prospects and projected two guys who could potentially see themselves on the active roster in 2025. Francis Pena, the club's No. 13 prospect, and Sean Reynolds, No. 18, have a shot to make the big leagues.

Pena went from High-A to Double-A to Triple-A in 2024, totaling 64 strikeouts in 63 innings with a 2.43 ERA. The 23-year-old ended the campaign strong with Triple-A El Paso, surrendering just one run in his final four appearances as a late-inning option. His fastball is 70-grade, leading to nine punchouts in his closing 4 2/3 frames.

"With a high-octane fastball and complementary cutter, Pena is a candidate for a spot in the 2025 Padres bullpen," Cassavell wrote.

The other arm to keep an eye out for is 26-year-old right-hander Sean Reynolds. An imposing 6-foot-8 bullpen option, Reynolds had two brief stints in the majors this season. He powered 21 strikeouts in 11 innings, including five whiffs in 1 2/3 frames on Aug. 30, which was his final appearance with the Padres.

"Reynolds is technically still a prospect -- but he won’t be for long," Cassavell said.

Unfortunately, Reynolds' progress was halted due to a knee injury so he was unable to participate down the stretch and in the postseason, but it's clear the team views him as a part of their 2025 plans after what he was able to contribute in 2024.

The Padres are watching some of their top prospects rise in the rankings, and while that is happening they can feel secure when guys like Pena and Reynolds are on the cusp of being completely MLB ready. This also provides some solace in not having to shop for some bullpens arms, considering they are busy looking around to fill other positions. AJ Preller will hopefully be able to breathe a sigh of relief with the future of his bullpen even with some departures on the horizon.