Real Deals: Top prospect targets on the San Diego Padres

In continuation of our series reviewing likely headliners in a J.T. Realmuto trade, we take a look at our friends on the West Coast. The Padres offer one of the deepest and most talented farm systems in all of baseball. As they near the end of their rebuilding process, they are seemingly ready to enter their competitive window, and eyeing Realmuto as one of the finishing pieces.

If they want him, they will have to become comfortable with the idea of potentially losing a few of the following players.

SS Fernando Tatís Jr. (Baseball America’s #2 Prospect)

Let’s cut to the chase: this is not happening. There is no imaginable deal that would net the Marlins the talent of Fernando Tatís Jr.

Rightfully known as the next superstar shortstop in baseball, Tatís is the cornerstone of the Padres rebuild and utterly untouchable. If you clicked on this article with the hopes of me convincing you that Tatís will be a future Marlin, I apologize.

LHP MacKenzie Gore (Baseball America’s #28 Prospect)

Shoot for the stars and the Marlins could wind up with Gore.

Entering his age-20 campaign, the Padres have a future ace with four plus pitches in his arsenal. The fastball, curveball, slider and changeup are each legitimate weapons. It should also be noted that his command is considered among the best in the minor leagues and should translate to the big league level.

When you combine this prospect profile with his reported work ethic, one quickly realizes the unlikelihood of Gore donning a Marlins jersey anytime soon. The Padres would be wise to keep him out of the trade talks.

2B Luis Urias (Baseball America’s #31 Prospect)

This next tier of Padres prospects is likely the sweet spot for a Realmuto trade package. Urias is known for having one of the best swings in minor league baseball with fielding ability that would make Luis Castillo blush. He’s the ideal complement to Tatís, combining to form a dangerous and cost-efficient double-play combination for years to come.

However, every trade has its price, and for the Padres to land Realmuto, I can guarantee the Marlins are asking for Urias. Whether the Padres budge, or talk down the Marlins to the next prospect, is the question in hand.

C Francisco Mejía (Baseball America’s #32 Prospect)

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Mejía should not be considered a consolation prize in a trade with San Diego; he would be the crown jewel of many other MLB farm systems.

At the plate, he has a plus hit tool, which is accompanied with fringe-to-average power. His arm is considered one of the elite in the minors with Baseball America assigning the maximum 80 grade.

On the other hand, there are questions of his ability to stay behind the plate. Miami would plug him in there immediately, but likely transition Mejía to either first, third, or the outfield once Will Banfield shows that he is ready to make his way to Marlins Park.

Mejía’s bat will play, but is his defensive volatility risky enough to force the Fish to shop their All-Star elsewhere?

Secondary Pieces

Similar to the Reds with Tony Santillan (Baseball America’s #69 Prospect), San Diego has comparable pieces that may put the Padres offer over the top. Primarily, LHP Adrian Morejon (Baseball America’s #52 Prospect), a Cuban-born pitcher with a 70-grade fastball, 60-grade curveball and a plus slider that would likely be on top of the list. Some may even prefer him over the centerpieces above.

A familiar face, Chris Paddack (Baseball America’s #66 Prospect), and fellow right-hander Luis Patino (Baseball America’s #67 Prospect) are also candidates to be included in a potential trade. Lastly, lefty Logan Allen (Baseball America’s #92) would make for a quality acquisition.

Lower tier prospects to also keep an eye on: SS Xavier Edwards, OF Buddy Reed, RHP Cal Quantrill, OF Edward Olivares.

The Padres system is the best in baseball. Miami will likely do well in any variation of a trade involving their farm. What type of trade do you envision between these teams? Let me know below!