Padres projected to take different Oregon high school standouts in new mock drafts

The 2025 MLB Draft is approaching soon. On July 13, teams all across Major League Baseball will be looking to add another crop of talent to bolster their farm. The Padres will have the 25th overall pick this season, which is always a great spot to draft a top-end high school star.

Coincidentally, in MLB's and ESPN's latest mock drafts, they have San Diego taking a high school standout from Oregon, but not the same player. Apparently, the Padres have a vested interest in the Beaver State, whether they might draft a pitcher in Kruz Schoolcraft, or an outfielder in Slater de Brun.

Schoolcraft - a left-hander - has been on San Diego's radar for quite some time, and he may just be the most obvious pick for them at this slot. At 6-foot-8, the Friars drafted another left-handed pitcher out of high school at the same height as Schoolcraft. They took Boston Bateman in the second round, and he's pitched well in Single-A through eight starts as one of the hottest Padres pitching prospects this season.

Taking Schoolcraft, who can reach the high 90s on his fastball, feels like a safe bet if he is available at pick No. 25. out of Sunset High School. Schoolcraft is currently committed to the University of Tennessee, the reigning NCAA College World Series champions.

Kruz Schoolcraft (‘25, OR) collected a handful of Ks over 3 IP. Imposing 6-8/230 frame. Easy operation. FB sat 92-95 (T96). Used fading CH at 85-88 often against RHH (~1350). Early Day 1 upside. #GBO signee @PG_Draft @PGAllAmerican pic.twitter.com/TB77j6ZvlW
— Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) March 26, 2025

Due to his similar frame and plus-speed, de Brun is drawing comparisons to Corbin Carroll. A strong and athletic outfielder, the Summit High School star has a sweet left-handed swing is currently committed to Vanderbilt University, but that could obviously change if he is selected high enough on the draft board.

Draft Spotlight: Slater de Brun, OF, Summit HS (OR)

Dynamic, twitchy athlete with a strong, compact frame. Bat to ball skills present with continued power development. Plus runner that can handle CF @PG_Scouting @PGAllAmerican pic.twitter.com/MfXDbykzsF
— Perfect Game Draft (@PG_Draft) May 8, 2025

It feels like a coincidence that two separate publications have the Padres taking an Oregon high-schooler in the first round this year, but both players have offered good reason as to why this club would be interested in them. Do they go with a high-ceiling southpaw who is taller than Aaron Judge? Or, do they take an athletic speedster who could join Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill in the middle of the lineup in three years? Both options feel justified.

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