Padres dip into high school ranks yet again with 2024 first-round pick

The first round of the 2024 MLB Draft did not go to script as many expected it to. For the San Diego Padres, picking at No. 25 meant that they had to adapt to the situation in front of them, and they found themselves with a number of intriguing options on both sides of the ball.

Ultimately, once Cam Caminiti came off the board right in front of them to the Braves, the Padres stayed with the high school class when they selected Kash Mayfield in the first round.

Padres News: San Diego selects Kash Mayfield with first-round pick in 2024 MLB Draft

Mayfield brings a lot to the table as a pitching prospect, which, frankly, the Padres may sorely need after a series of trades and promotions have depleted their farm system at the position. Mayfield already has a plus changeup — a rarity for a high school arm — and his fastball is in the mid-90s with projection for more. Adding a power slider would do him a lot of good, but he does at least have a curveball that can keep opposing hitters honest.

San Diego is betting its player development program can mold Mayfield into a starter. They have a lot to work, though. While his control is really good for an amateur, it'll be about finding the pitch mix that he can develop to get pro hitters out.

Unfortunately, this also means that it could be a while before we see Mayfield make it to the big leagues since he is going to need some time to develop. That said, getting some quality pitching prospect depth picking late in the first round is hard to be upset with.

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