Padres rising star takes crucial next step in development with star recognition

The MLB All-Star Week is always a spectacle, but beyond the excitement of the Home Run Derby and the fanfare of the All-Star Game itself lies one of the most important showcases in baseball’s developmental calendar. The MLB All-Star Futures Game. This year, it takes place on Saturday, July 12, as part of the festivities in Atlanta, Georgia. And for Padres fans, there will be more than just passing interest — because their top prospect, Leo De Vries, is taking the national stage.

The Padres’ No. 1 prospect and ranked No. 3 overall in all of baseball, has earned his invitation to the Futures Game — a massive step forward in his development. The 18-year-old shortstop will represent the National League in a star-studded roster full of tomorrow’s MLB standouts, and it’s a deserved moment of recognition for one of the game’s youngest, most promising, prospects.

Padres rising prospect gets national look at MLB Futures Game

San Diego has become a powerhouse on the international signing front in recent years, landing Ethan Salas (2023) and De Vries (2024) in back-to-back classes. They haven’t wasted time putting their money to work either. Just three months after signing for $4.2 million, De Vries was already debuting in full-season ball with Single-A Lake Elsinore. Now, he’s continuing his development with High-A Fort Wayne, facing older competition and handling it with poise.

A switch-hitter with advanced zone awareness, De Vries hits with the patience of a veteran, consistently working deep counts and showing a willingness to take a walk. He’s also bringing his former life as a point guard in the Dominican Republic onto the diamond — with impressive instincts, range, and body control that translate on the basepaths and in the field.

Sure, there are growing pains that come with De Vries. His .243/.357/.387 slash line so far in the 2025 season comes with the expected inconsistencies of an 18-year-old navigating pro ball. In June, he hit just .198/.375/.284, with one homer, 11 RBIs, and five failed steal attempts out of seven. It’s a reminder that development isn’t linear — but also a testament to how high his floor is, even in a slump.

And still, through it all, he looks unshaken. De Vries brings a calm confidence to the field. He’s learning, adapting, and embracing each level with the maturity of someone beyond his age. And now, he’ll get the opportunity to showcase that growth on a national platform. For the Padres, it’s validation. And for De Vries, it’s the next challenge.

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