Padres 2026 Draft: Borthwick Leads Pitching Gambles

First‑Round Pick Signals Long‑Term Vision

The Padres added another prep pitcher to their system when they selected 18‑year‑old RHP Coleman Borthwick with the overall first pick. Borthwick, a product of South Walton High School in Florida, signed immediately for a guaranteed $4,224,700, putting him in position to appear on a major‑league roster relatively soon. In his post‑selection Zoom, the right‑hander stressed that velocity is only part of the equation; durability and the ability to throw strikes are the true keys to reaching the Show. He described his two‑seam fastball as an “A‑plus” pitch that generates early contact and can be placed wherever he needs it on the field.

President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller and scouting director Chris Kemp highlighted how the first five selections will fit into the club’s rebuilding timeline. The Padres have now taken prep talent in ten consecutive drafts, with six of those early picks being pitchers, a pattern that underscores their willingness to gamble on teenage arms. Joining Borthwick in the teens‑only pipeline are existing prospects LHP Kash Mayfield and LHP Kruz Schoolcraft, all viewed as high‑upside risks.

Day Two: Shifting Toward College Talent

On the second day, the Padres selected 16 players, a mix of 14 college athletes and two prep prospects. The shift reflects a strategic decision to conserve bonus money for more expensive signees while still capturing high‑potential high‑school bodies. Live commentary from MLB.com’s Jonathon Mayo and Jim Callis provided real‑time analysis, a first for the second day of the Padres’ draft coverage.

Among the mid‑round picks, Kansas State RHP James Guyette (5th round, 157th overall) offers a sinking fastball that touches 97 mph and a low‑80s slider. Arizona State shortstop Nu’u Contrades (6th round, 186th) posted a .366/.434/.762 line with 21 home runs as a senior and can play both second and third base. Virginia State infielder Joe Tiroly (7th round, 215th) contributed a .319/.408/.576 slash with 16 homers but missed significant time due to a foot injury.

Mid‑Draft Talent Adds Depth

The Padres continued adding arm talent in the later rounds, selecting Arizona State LHP Sean Fitzpatrick (8th round, 245th) whose 90‑93 mph fastball shows swing‑and‑miss potential. Troy University LHP Benjamin Stubbs (9th round, 275th) boasts a low‑90s fastball and similar swing‑and‑miss traits. USC catcher Augie Lopez (10th round, 305th) recorded a .278/.364/.590 line with 19 home runs as a left‑handed hitter.

Higher picks include NC State first baseman Chris McHugh (11th round, 335th), Miami LHP Rob Evans (12th round, 365th) with a 3.29 ERA, and Dayton outfielder Michael Smith Jr. (13th round, 395th) who added 38 steals to his 10‑home‑run season. The Padres also secured Oregon State reliever Albert Roblez (16th round, 485th) and prep phenom Denton Lord (17th round, 515th), an 18‑year‑old 6‑foot‑8 righty ranked 133rd by Baseball America.

Future Moves and Undrafted Signings

After the tenth round, the slot system caps the Padres’ bonus pool, allowing them to allocate extra money for signability needs in rounds 11‑20. The organization typically follows the draft with a flurry of undrafted free‑agent contracts, and a Baseball America tracker will list those signings as they occur. With four prep athletes and 16 college players now under contract, the Padres have a blend of high‑risk, high‑reward prospects that could reshape the rotation and infield in the coming seasons.