Padres' toolsy third-round pick could be answer to future outfield plans

As the San Diego Padres continue to search the trade market for immediate outfield reinforcements, they may have quietly planted the seeds for their long-term solution in the 2025 MLB Draft.

With the 99th overall pick, the Padres selected Ryan Wideman, a dynamic outfielder from Western Kentucky whose rare blend of size and speed makes him one of the most intriguing upside plays in this year’s class. At 6-foot-5 and 204 pounds, Wideman is a physical specimen with a 70-grade run tool — a number that really jumps off the page for a player of his stature. That athleticism gives him the range to cover ground in center field and the versatility to play all three outfield positions, though his defensive instincts and route efficiency will need refinement.

Padres bet big on athleticism with toolsy third-round pick Ryan Wideman

In many ways, Wideman fits the mold of a classic Padres draft pick. Loud tools, high ceiling, and a developmental path that could pay off with the right coaching. His plus speed is matched by plus raw power, and there’s plenty of confidence that with improved swing decisions and mechanical fine-tuning, he could eventually impact the game on both sides of the ball.

But the bat remains the biggest question. Wideman’s offensive profile is inconsistent. While he doesn’t strike out at an alarming rate, his chase rates and ground-ball percentage were among the worst in Division I this season. He struggles to handle velocity and rarely walks. Those issues will only be magnified against pro-level pitching.

In Wideman, the Padres are betting on projection. He’s a long-term investment, not a quick fix — but if their player development staff can tap into his potential, he could emerge as a powerful, speed-driven presence in the outfield in the not-so-distant future.

This pick, combined with the Padres’ first-round selection of 6-foot-8 two-way phenom Kruz Schoolcraft, signals a clear theme: elite athleticism and massive upside. As Day 2 of the MLB Draft gets underway at 8:30 a.m. PST on July 14, it’ll be worth watching whether San Diego continues to lean into high-ceiling gambles or shifts gears toward more polished, college-ready depth.

Either way, Ryan Wideman is a name Padres fans should keep an eye on. He may not be knocking on the MLB door tomorrow — but if his tools click, he could end up being the steal of the third round.

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