Padres named among the worst farm systems in the National League in 2025

The latest rankings for the best farm systems in baseball has been released, and Padres fans may want to duck for cover. After placing 28th last year, things have not gotten much better over the last season. Just a couple of years ago, San Diego was within the Top 5 among the best collection of minor league prospects. However, once Jackson Merrill made it to the bigs, alongside the organization getting rid of five of their next six best prospects, they have taken a major dip.

Going into the 2025 campaign, the Friars are listed with the 25th best farm system in all of baseball. This position places them third-worst in the National League, ahead of only the Braves (26th) and the Giants (28th) this year.

Padres named among the worst farm systems in the National League in 2025

Leading the way in the Padres' minor league rankings are 18-year-olds Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas. They are the only two players ranked in the Top 100, so considering they are both still very young, their prowess won't carry much weight when they are ranked against some of the other best farm systems. They will both headline the Padres ahead of the regular season at the Spring Breakout showcase, so hopefully their performances can offer more legitimacy to San Diego's low ranking.

Humberto Cruz will be a player to keep on your radar. He was unknown last year, but now, he sits fourth among the Padres' Top 30 prospects after signing with the club this offseason out of Mexico.

Other names to look out for this year will be Tirso Ornelas, who might land a spot on the Opening Day roster following a dominant spring. Kash Mayfield and Boston Bateman are a pair of power left-handed pitchers who have yet to throw an inning in professional ball, but each sit within the organization's pool of five best prospects.

In a way, it makes sense that the Padres are pinned so low on the board. All of their top prospects are teenagers, including many who have yet to play in Minor League Baseball. Among their eight-highest rated prospects, six of them are under 20 years old. The other two are 22 and 20, respectively. Ideally, around this time next season, Padres fans will see their farm system ranked much higher once the players get a full year of pro ball under their belt.