2026 San Diego Padres Top 10 MLB Prospects

Today, we’re unveiling the 10 best prospects in the Padres system entering 2026.

The top of the Padres system is headlined by Ethan Salas, a young and talented defensive catcher who is facing a crucial year as he looks to prove he can stay healthy and hit high-level pitching.

Baseball America’s Peter Flaherty is hosting a chat at 2 p.m. ET to discuss Salas and the overall state of San Diego’s farm system.

SEE THE LIST

More Prospect Coverage

Below, you can find our projected Padres lineup for 2029, as well as a rundown of prospects with the best scouting tools in the system.

Projected 2029 Padres Lineup

Catcher: Ethan Salas (22)
First Base: Jake Cronenworth (35)
Second Base: Xander Bogaerts (36)
Third Base: Manny Machado (36)
Shortstop: Jorge Quintana (22)
Left Field: Ryan Wideman (25)
Center Field: Jackson Merrill (25)
Right Field: Fernando Tatis Jr. (30)
Designated Hitter: Kale Fountain (23)

No. 1 Starter: Nick Pivetta (36)
No. 2 Starter: Kruz Schoolcraft (22)
No. 3 Starter: Miguel Mendez (26)
No. 4 Starter: Kash Mayfield (24)
No. 5 Starter: Humberto Cruz (22)
Closer: Mason Miller (30)

Listed below are the prospects with the best tools within the organization. To go directly to San Diego’s Top 10, click here.

Padres Best Tools

Best Hitter: Romeo Sanabria
Best Power Hitter: Kale Fountain
Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Ryan Jackson
Fastest Baserunner: Ryan Wideman
Best Athlete: Ryan Wideman
Best Fastball: Michael Salina
Best Curveball: Harry Gustin
Best Slider: Miguel Mendez
Best Changeup: Bradgley Rodriguez
Best Control: Josh Mallitz
Best Defensive Catcher: Ethan Salas
Best Defensive Infielder: Jorge Quintana
Best Infield Arm: Jorge Quintana
Best Defensive Outfielder: Ryan Wideman
Best Outfield Arm: Ryan Wideman