Shortstop Leodalis DeVries and catcher Ethan Salas, the Padres’ top two prospects, have been reassigned to minor league camp in preparation for the Padres’ Spring Breakout game. Following the conclusion of minor league mini-camp and the start of full minor league camp, DeVries and Salas will join other top Padres prospects for the game against the A’s prospects on March 14 at 2:40 p.m. at Peoria Sports Complex.
The roster includes members of the 2024 draft class, such as LHP Kash Mayfield, LHP Boston Bateman, and shortstop Cobb Hightower. Outfielder Kavares Tears and potential two-way player Sean Barnett are also on the list. These players, along with RHP Bradgley Rodríguez, are among the key prospects to watch this season, as highlighted on Baseball America’s Deep Dive podcast with JJ Cooper and Peter Flaherty.
Not playing in the game are #4 prospect RHP Humberto Cruz and #8 prospect 3B Kale Fountain. Outfielder Tirso Ornelas (#11 prospect) has earned a spot on the major league roster, while #12 prospect RHP Henry Baez, a non-roster invitee, is also part of the spring camp.
Now in its second year, the Spring Breakout game was delayed last year due to rain, but it was eventually played during the Padres’ spring trip to Korea. The Padres’ prospects won 13-10 against the Seattle Mariners’ prospects. This year’s game will be streamed on the MLB app, MLB.com, and broadcast on 97.3 The Fan.
Top 30 list:
The Padres’ Top 30 prospect list for 2025 has seen some significant changes. DeVries has moved to #1, while Salas is now #2, following a rough 2024 season where Salas struggled with his hitting in High-A Fort Wayne. DeVries, who bypassed developmental leagues and played his first season with Single-A Lake Elsinore, impressed before injuring his shoulder.
Quick movers:
RHP Humberto Cruz, who was unlisted on the 2024 prospect list, has jumped to #4 after being signed from Mexico in February 2024. He’s known for his mid-90s fastball and promising slider and changeup.
RHP Braden Nett made a notable leap from #20 to #9, with his strong fastball and developing secondary pitches.
Shortstop Cobb Hightower rose from #15 to #6, showcasing his potential as a future high-quality bat, speed, and defensive skills. His position may eventually shift to second base behind DeVries.
Trending down:
RHP David Morgan, previously #29, is no longer on the list but is part of the Spring Breakout roster.
RHP Kannon Kemp dropped off the list after falling from #28. Despite being 6’6″ and still showing promise, injury concerns have hindered his progress.
LHP Austin Krob, now 25, has fallen off the list after dropping from #27. He has worked as both a starter and reliever with the major league team this spring.
RHP Cole Paplham dropped from #26 to off the list. He struggled with walks and was injured after being struck by a batted ball this spring.
Catcher Brandon Valenzuela, once #13, is now off the list due to his hitting struggles, despite being strong defensively and still having potential as a backup catcher.
RHP Juan Nuñez, acquired in the Rule 5 draft from the Orioles, has dropped from #11 to #16 on the list as other prospects have risen. He made his first spring appearance on March 4, but if he doesn’t make the 26-man roster, he must be returned to Baltimore.
About The Author
