The one prospect call-up that could lock in Padres' playoff berth

At the All-Star break, the San Diego Padres are 52-44 in the standings, sitting well-within reach of a Wild Card Spot in the National League.

However, teams all around the league will try and boost their roster ahead of the postseason, including the Padres. While it would be smart for the Friars to shop around and make some potential trades, they could hold back on one less deal, and consider promoting a player within their organization as part of a playoff push.

Although he's in Double-A, Henry Baez, 22, might be the perfect player to help this Padres' pitching staff. He's done more than enough to prove his worth.

Padres' minor leaguer Henry Baez could solidify San Diego's pitching staff

San Diego's No. 12 ranked prospect, the right-handed pitcher could be the perfect security blanket pitcher come playoff time. Donning a 2.08 ERA in 86 2/3 frames this year with Double-A San Antonio, it might be time for Baez to dip his toes in the big-league waters.

This will give him him plenty of time to adjust MLB hitting, and who knows, he could be a perfect puzzle piece to mend the Padres' pitching problems in 2025.

We still don't really know what we're going to get out of Yu Darvish and Matt Waldron this year, all while Dylan Cease has been shaky at times. Michael King's injury seems to be more long-term than initially expected, so the Friars are going to need all arms on deck. It should absolutely start with Baez.

Baez has great stuff, and his velocity is not an issue, either. The opposition cannot figure him out, and Minor League Baseball is starting to look a bit too easy for Baez, who was named theJune Pitcher of the Month.

But it's not just in June. Here's a month-by-month look at Baez's batting average against:

• April: .183

• May: .234

• June: .175

• July: .192

Baez was also named the Padres Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2024, so there is a clear recognition that he is going to be the next big pitcher for this franchise. He's at the age where he is developed enough to get promoted to the big stage. San Diego is going to need him, so they may as well give him time to adjust, then contribute.