TEAM: San Diego Padres
PICK: 7 (Slot: $5,226,500)
POOL: $9,650,000
SCOUTING DIRECTOR: Mark Conner

PREVIOUS TOP PICKS
2017: MacKenzie Gore, LHP, Whiteville HS, NC (3rd overall)
2016: Cal Quantrill, RHP, Stanford (8th overall)
2015: Austin Smith, RHP, Park Vista HS, FL (51st overall, 2nd round)
2014: Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State (13th overall)
2013: Hunter Renfroe, OF, Mississippi State (13th overall)

HISTORY: San Diego GM A.J. Preller came over from the Texas Rangers, an organization known for drafting high school prospects with loud tools and high upside. So it’s no surprise the Padres have followed a similar path recently. They took preps with their first six picks last year and 11 of their top five round picks the last three years have come out of high school.

FORECAST: The Padres have a pick in the Competitive Balance Round A, but forfeited their second-round pick with the signing of Eric Hosmer, leaving them with two picks on the first day. This is the most likely spot we see the first high school prospect picked. Best available would include LHP Matthew Liberatore (Mountain Ridge HS, AZ) and Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West HS, WI). RHP Carter Stewart (Eau Gallie HS, FL) isn’t outside the realm of possibility either. 

Matthew Liberatore, LHP, Mountain Ridge HS, AZ
PBR Draft Board: 3
FB: 50/60            CB: 60/70            CH: 50/60
While this wasn't his best outing, Liberatore's body of work and projection makes him a sure fire first rounder and candidate to go first overall. He pitches with an average fastball that tends to sit around 90 after the first inning, but has touched some big numbers early in outings. I am comfortable projecting a plus fastball and wouldn't be shocked if he makes a big jump to a 70 fastball due to the combination of projection in his body and athletic delivery. The curveball is his best pitch at present, often showing plus with tight rotation and late downward break. (Jordon Banfield)

Find Liberatore's full report in the Draft HQ.

Jarred Kelenic, OF, Waukesha West HS, WI
HIT: 50/60            POWER: 40/50            SPEED: 70/70            DEFENSE: 50/60            ARM: 60/70
At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Kelenic has advanced strength and rock-solid muscle throughout his frame. He’s an overall explosive, polished and quick-twitch athlete, a true five-tool prospect. He has a polished offensive approach, as he is extremely balanced, quiet, consistent and explosive at the plate. He consistently makes hard contact, driving the ball to all fields and is strong through contact, generating advanced bat speed. (Sean Duncan)

Find Kelenic's full report in the Draft HQ.

Carter Stewart, RHP, Eau Gallie HS, FL
PBR Draft Board: 11

FB: 55/60            CB: 60/70
Stewart has the best true curveball in the draft class. There is a lot to like in the stuff, but his demeanor may be equally impressive. He shows very little emotion and seems to always be under control. The curveball has been plus, but the rise and consistency of better velocity on the fastball is what has him climbing boards. He has a proportional, extra-large frame with long arms and legs. (Doug Freeman)

Find Stewart's full report in the Draft HQ.

Related Content