Padres Make Bold Moves on Day Two of MLB Draft, Focus on College Talent

The San Diego Padres continued their trend of selecting high school athletes in the first round of the MLB Draft, marking the tenth consecutive year they’ve chosen a prep player. This year, they picked 18-year-old right-handed pitcher Coleman Borthwick from South Walton High School in Florida. He joins fellow teenage pitchers Kash Mayfield and Kruz Schoolcraft in the Padres’ developing system, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent.

Following their first-round selection, the Padres opted for a prep shortstop in the second round before rounding out their day with a mix of college players, including a right-handed pitcher, a catcher, and an outfielder. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller, along with scouting director Chris Kemp, held a Zoom conference following the first day of the draft to discuss their strategy and the potential integration of their new prospects into the organization.

During the conference, Borthwick expressed his determination to become a major league pitcher for the Padres. He emphasized the importance of competitiveness over mere velocity, stating, “Velocity is great – it’s a great thing to have. But the thing that’s going to get you to the big leagues – is being a competitor, learning to throw strikes while being durable.” He noted that his two-seam fastball is a standout pitch, capable of generating weak contact and keeping hitters off balance.

With a signing bonus of $4,224,700 guaranteed for his first-round slot, Borthwick is committed to joining the Padres, and fans may soon see him on the roster.

Day Two Overview

Day two of the draft was streamed live on MLB.com and the MLB app, featuring commentary from Jonathon Mayo and Jim Callis, who provided insights into the selected players. This year marked the first time MLB offered live commentary on the second day, enhancing the experience for fans and providing valuable information on prospects with limited scouting reports.

The Padres selected a total of 16 players on day two, with a notable emphasis on college-level talent; 14 of their picks were collegiate athletes, while just two were from high school. This shift in strategy suggests the Padres are looking to allocate their bonus pool more efficiently, as signing high school players can often require hefty financial commitments.

Rounds 5-10 Highlights

In the fifth round, the Padres chose Kansas State right-handed pitcher James Guyette, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 215 pounds. Although unranked by MLB.com, Callis provided an overview of Guyette’s impressive repertoire, including a sinking fastball that reaches up to 97 mph and a low-80s slider, complemented by a changeup that keeps hitters guessing. Over 79.1 innings pitched, he recorded 105 strikeouts against 35 walks.

The sixth-round pick was Arizona State’s Nu’u Contrades, a versatile shortstop with a stellar senior year batting line of .366/.434/.762, including 21 home runs and 61 RBIs. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Contrades is noted for his fly-ball hitting approach and speed on the bases.

In the seventh round, the Padres selected infielder Joe Tiroly from Virginia State. Tiroly, who played both second and third base, boasted a .319/.408/.576 batting average with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs. Despite battling a foot injury earlier in the season, he demonstrated resilience and potential as a right-handed hitter.

The eighth round saw the Padres pick left-handed pitcher Sean Fitzpatrick out of Arizona State, while the ninth round brought lefty Benjamin Stubbs from Troy University into the fold. Both players are expected to add depth to the Padres’ pitching prospects.

Finally, in the tenth round, they selected catcher Augie Lopez from USC, who had a solid offensive showing with a .278/.364/.590 line, 19 home runs, and 57 RBIs, cementing the Padres’ commitment to building a robust farm system.

Rounds 11-20 and Future Plans

The draft continued into rounds 11 through 20, where the Padres focused on filling out their roster with a mix of players who could provide value at various positions. Notably, they selected Chris McHugh, a first baseman from North Carolina State, and left-handed pitcher Rob Evans from the University of Miami, both of whom showcased impressive college performances.

As the draft concluded, the Padres also began their pursuit of undrafted free agents, a common strategy that allows teams to bolster their rosters with additional talent. This process typically starts immediately following the draft, as teams seek to sign players eager to embark on their professional careers.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.