Ethan Salas Leads the San Diego Farm System Pipeline
San Diego Padres catching prospect Ethan Salas reached the major leagues about six weeks after turning 20 years old, according to a report by Razzball. Signed for $5.6 million as a 16-year-old, Salas developed into a defensive standout behind the plate before erupting offensively in 2026. San Diego maintains one of the most active systems for roster turnover, but Salas anchored the organizational pipeline as he prepares to graduate off prospect rankings and potentially contend for rookie honors in an early-playing-time class.
Elliot Lascelles Signs for Above-Slot Value in Low-A
Canadian shortstop Elliot Lascelles signed with San Diego for approximately $2.8 million, nearly double the $1.56 million slot value. A left-handed hitter standing 6-foot-1 and 181 pounds, Lascelles debuted in Low-A and posted a .321/.406/.429 slash line with six stolen bases across 15 games. Razzball reported that Canadian prospects often present unique scouting challenges that cause them to slide during drafts, allowing teams to secure value above standard slot projections.
Coleman Borthwick Commands a Multi-Million Dollar Bonus
San Diego selected corner infielder Coleman Borthwick 21st overall and signed him for $3.8 million. Standing 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds, Borthwick features a two-way path with a fastball reaching 98 mph prior to the draft alongside an 85 mph slider that generates late-count whiffs. Borthwick demonstrated dominant performance against high-end competition on the draft circuit, carrying ace-level upside into his professional career.
Alex McCoy Advances Through High-A and Double-A
Undrafted free agent Alex McCoy reached Double-A after playing one year at Hofstra following two seasons at Maryland-Eastern Shore. Standing 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds from the right side, McCoy debuted by slashing .315/.393/.521 with seven home runs and 14 stolen bases across 58 games. He followed that performance with 19 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 123 games, including a .314/.360/.467 slash line across High-A and Double-A.
Ricardo De La Paz Debuts in the Dominican Summer League
Outfielder Ricardo De La Paz signed for $325,000 and slashed .375/.596/.563 with ten strikeouts in 15 games in the Dominican Summer League before a labrum injury cut his season short. Standing 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, De La Paz displayed early hitting production before the shoulder issue sidelined his development.
Jorge Quintana Joins San Diego From Milwaukee
Shortstop Jorge Quintana joined San Diego alongside Nestor Cortes and cash in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers that sent Brandon Lockridge the other way. Milwaukee originally signed Quintana for $1.7 million in 2024 as the highest-paid player in their class. Standing 6-foot-2 and 183 pounds, Quintana played shortstop regularly in Low-A during the 2026 season while remaining about two years younger than the league-average age, stealing 29 bases and slashing .234/.328/.367 with a 28.2 percent strikeout rate.
Gabriel Teran and Kruz Schoolcraft Shape Lower Levels
Gabriel Teran posted a .323/.558/.455 slash line with three home runs and six stolen bases in 43 games in the Dominican Summer League, drawing 43 walks against 28 strikeouts. Standing 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, Teran figures to advance through the system as his physical skills allow. Meanwhile, 2025 draft pick Kruz Schoolcraft debuted in Low-A at 6-foot-8 and 229 pounds, recording a 1.828 WHIP across 79.1 innings while remaining three years younger than the league average.
Abraham Bastidas and Nu-u Contrades Complete the Pipeline
Abraham Bastidas posted a 135 wRC+ in his debut season and slashed .262/.489/.459 with three home runs and five steals in 20 games before an injury ended his follow-up campaign. Standing 6-foot-0 and 175 pounds, Bastidas features an athletic profile capable of playing across the infield. In the 2025 draft, San Diego selected sixth-round pick Nu’u Contrades, who posted a 102 wRC+ in 24 Low-A games and brings four years of college experience to the middle infield.
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