Back in 2020, the San Diego Padres boasted one of MLB’s premier farm systems. Fast forward to 2025, and they’ve tumbled to 28th in the rankings, making them the third-lowest in the National League. This decline stems from promoting top prospects like Jackson Merrill and trading away talents such as Robert Hassell III and James Wood. Yet, amidst this downturn, there’s a silver lining.
Emerging stars like Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas are reigniting hope for the franchise’s future. De Vries is putting some numbers in the minors that may even put a few big names to shame. How? Well, he is 18, and already scored 2 homers, a hit for the cycle, and 8 RBIs from a single game. Impressive? Yes, because only seven Major Leaguers have hit for the cycle during a two-homer game since 1901. For those aware of what’s ongoing in MLB, know about how many games it takes to score 2 homers and 8 RBIs. Here, De Vries is making it easy to be the best.
In a thrilling 15–14 victory over Lansing at Jackson Field, De Vries’ performance stole the spotlight. Fort Wayne manager Lukas Ray couldn’t contain his admiration, stating, “This might sound a little crazy, but I compare him to Michael Jordan, I’ve studied [Jordan] a lot, and what separated him from everybody else outside of his physical talent. Leo’s a competitor, and he only wants to get better. If you want him to do something, just tell him he can’t do it.”
That’s it, that’s the statement! An 18-year-old Single-A shortstop being likened to Michael Jordan? That’s the magnitude of De Vries’ impact. His recent game isn’t just a statistical marvel; it’s arguably one of the most remarkable single-game performances in Padres minor league history. Achieving such feats at his age is exceptionally rare, highlighting his extraordinary potential.
Michael Jordan’s greatness wasn’t solely due to his talent; it was his relentless drive to improve daily and his insatiable desire to dominate. This mindset began in practice, long before game time. De Vries mirrors this ethos, consistently striving to better himself, regardless of past performances.
“Whether he goes 5-for-5 or 0-for-5, good players find something to get better at, and that’s what he does. He shows up and plays like he’s the best player in the world, no matter what happened the night before,” Ray added. With such dedication, MLB might soon witness a new record-breaker emerging from the Padres’ ranks.
The Padres’ farm system is something to boast of
The Padres’ farm system is stacked with talent in 2025, especially considering their recent history of aggressive trades and promotions. While the system isn’t as deep as some of the top organizations, it boasts several high-ceiling prospects who could make a significant impact soon.
Apart from De Vries, the club got Salas. He is a highly regarded catching prospect with exceptional defensive skills and offensive upside. Last year, he hit nine home runs in 48 games at A-ball and made a brief appearance in Double-A. The next in line is Kale Fountain. He is a promising third baseman with a strong bat and developing defensive skills. With continued development, Fountain has the potential to be a middle-of-the-order hitter.
The Padres’ farm system is not as deep as some other teams. However, it is rich with high-ceiling talent that could significantly impact the major league roster in the coming years. With prospects like De Vries and Salas leading the way, the future looks promising for the Padres. Moreover, even though the Padres have dealt away top prospects in recent years (like CJ Abrams, MacKenzie Gore, James Wood, and Robert Hassell III) in blockbuster deals for Juan Soto, Josh Hader, and others, they’ve restocked just enough high-upside talent to stay in the game for more trades.
A few more good trades are surely coming soon from the Padres’ end. Do you think this strategy is just for a short-term gain for the team?
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