Written By: Austin Farmer & Drake Mann
Follow them on Twitter:@AustinF0421, @DrakeMann4
Follow Prospects Worldwide on Twitter:@ProspectsWorldW
**Here’s the podcast edition of the Padres Risers and Shiners List for you Podcast lovers!**
**Right below is the Padres Risers and Shiners list simplified. Scroll further down for FULL Future Grades, Role, ETA, and summaries on EACH PLAYER ranked on this list! Tons of 2021 Statistics on each player as well! Some player highlights, future outlooks and more enjoy!**
| Rank | Player | Position | How Acquired |
| 1 | CJ Abrams | SS/OF | 1st Round: 6th Overall – 2019 Draft |
| 2 | Luis Campusano | C | 2nd Round – 2017 Draft |
| 3 | Robert Hassell | OF | 1st Round: 8th Overall – 2020 Draft |
| 4 | James Wood | OF | 2nd Round – 2021 Draft |
| 5 | Jackson Merrill | SS | 1st Round: 27th Overall – 2021 |
| Risers | |||
| 1 | Eguy Rosario | 2B | International FA Signing 2015 |
| 2 | Victor Lizarraga | RHP | International FA Signing 2021 |
| 3 | Victor Acosta | SS | International FA Signing 2021 |
| 4 | Nerwilian Cedeno | 3B | International FA Signing 2018 |
| 5 | Jackson Wolf | LHP | 4th Round – 2021 |
1. CJ Abrams SS/OF | San Diego Padres (MLB)
21 Years Old | Throws: R | Bats: L | 6’2” | 185lbs | ETA: 2022
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 60 | 50 | 55 | 80 | 55 | 7 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .296 | .363 | .420 | .782 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 19.7% | 8.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .123 | 113 | 12.5% | 43.5% | 24.2% | 32.3% | 40.6% | 31.2% | 28.3% |
Scouting Report:
CJ Abrams is electric athlete that he takes graceful strides around the bases and accelerates around the base paths with ease. Abrams projects as a top of the order hitter in any lineup, but also has enough strength and power that 20+ homeruns while leading the league in stolen bases, doubles, and triples regularly isn’t out of the question. He makes smooth plays at short, giving him a real shot to stick at the position, but with Fernando Tatis Jr. at the helm presently, the two could platoon between short and the outfield as Abrams could profile in center and Tatis had some time in right in 2021.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
2. Luis Campusano C | El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA)
23 Years Old | Throws: R | Bats: R | 5’11”| 232lbs | ETA: 2022
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 55 | 50 | 30 | 70 | 6 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .285 | .354 | .518 | .872 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 19.5% | 8.3% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .233 | 110 | 13.1% | 42.3% | 20.6% | 37.1% | 51.5% | 21.4% | 27.0% |
Scouting Report:
With his solid upside on both sides of the ball, Campusano looks to be the starting catcher of the future for the Padres. While I do believe Campusano has an above-average hit tool, adding 15 pounds of muscle definitely helps jolt his power potential to be at least above-average. His arm continues to be the best part of his defensive game but he will need to improve his pitch framing in order for him to blossom defensively. Overall, his bat and athleticism are what stick out to me the most with Campusano, he’s got nothing left to prove in Triple-A and it won’t be long until the Padres are going to feel the pressure of what to do with this talented catching prospect. Could he be traded? or will the Padres figure out how to get his bat in the lineup long term. We’ll see what the future holds for Campusano.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
3. Robert Hassell III OF | Fort Wayne Tin Caps (A+)
20 Years Old | Throws: L | Bats: L | 6’2” | 195lbs | ETA: 2023
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 45 | 6 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .309 | .403 | .456 | .859 | 5 | 26 | 6 | 18.2% | 13.5% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .147 | 128 | 9.9% | 52.1% | 19.2% | 28.7% | 38.0% | 28.3% | 36.7% |
Scouting Report:
Robert Hassell roams centerfield presently in the Padres farm system, but projects more in left. At the plate, he’s a hit over power hitter possessing a plus bat and still can potentially hit 20-24 bombs perennially. Hassell could debut sometime in 2023 or 2024 with Wil Myers heading into free agency after the 2022 season. The Padres will only be more dangerous with Hassell’s ability to hit for a high average, produce a solid number of doubles and steal bases in the bigs. While he does not have a strong arm in the outfield, it won’t be as important with his transition to left.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
4. James Wood OF | Lake Elsinore Storm (A)
18 Years Old | Throws: R | Bats: S | 6’7″ | 240 lbs | ETA: 2025
| HIT | PWR | FLD | ARM | SPD | Role |
| 55 | 60 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 6 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .372 | .465 | .535 | 1.000 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 31.7% | 12.9% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .163 | 166 | 25.2% | 49.0% | 33.35 | 17.6% | 32.7% | 21.2% | 46.2% |
Scouting Report:
Wood’s prep development was somewhat of a roller coaster ride. He appeared to be a power only bat, His hit tool has improved a lot and hit .372 with three homeruns in the ACL and displayed his speed stealing 10 bases without getting caught. Wood is a projectable outfielder that could be a fan favorite if all his cards fall into place. A lineup that could potentially have Luis Campusano, Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., CJ Abrams, Robert Hassell, Victor Acosta and James Wood would put fear into opposing pitchers.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
5. Jackson Merill SS | Lake Elsinore Storm (A) | 18-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: R | 6’3″ | 195 lbs | ETA: 2024
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 55 | 50 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .280 | .339 | .383 | .722 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 22.5% | 8.3% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .103 | 92 | 19.1% | 59.2% | 21.1% | 19.7% | 48.7% | 16.7% | 34.6% |
Merrill was the Padres 1st round pick in the 2021 draft and signed an under-slot deal of $1.80 million. This was somewhat of a surprise pick for the Padres, but all we knew was that Merrill looked like a raw but excellent pick by the Padres. He would later debut in the Arizona Complex League and hit .280/.339/.383 in 107 at-bats. Merrill has a knack for barreling the ball and was among one of the better players on the ACL Padres roster at controlling the zone. He potentially has an above-average hit tool with his quick bat and barreling abilities. What’s interesting is that the Padres tried a slight change to his stance as he had a toe-tap for a load and towards the end of the Complex League he went back to his small leg kick. While having a solid pro-debut there was some swing-and-miss, especially with recognizing off-speed pitches. Continuing on, he’s a solid defender with good range and a strong arm. To round out his tools, he’s an above average runner and should be a top of the order bat for the Padres going forward.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
Risers:
1. Eguy Rosario 2B | El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA)
22-Years-Old | Bats: R | Throws: R | 5’9″ | 150 lbs | ETA: 2022
| HIT | PWR | FLD | ARM | SPD | Role |
| 50 | 40 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 4 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .281 | .360 | .455 | .815 | 12 | 30 | 14 | 22.7% | 10.2% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .174 | 118 | 10.9% | 42.9% | 22.9% | 34.2% | 47.5% | 24.4% | 28.2% |
Scouting Report:
Eguy Rosario signed with the San Diego Padres as part of the J2 International Signing Class. While his offensive potential is only average, Rosario projects as an above-average second basemen on the field. He hustles after baseballs and is willing to sacrifice his body. He’s an exciting defensive second basemen who should keep up at the plate.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
2. Victor Lizarraga RHP | Lake Elsinore Storm (A)
18-Years-Old | Throws: R | Bats: R | 6’3″ | 180 lbs | ETA: 2026
| FB | CB | CH | Control | Role |
| 60 | 55 | 45 | 50 | 5 |
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 30.0 | 11 | 11 | 5.10 | 1.33 | 26.9% | 11.5% | 1.50 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 23.3% | 5.20 | 36.4% | 15.2% | 48.5% | 58.2% | 17.9% | 23.9% |
Scouting Report:
There’s only a very small sample size on Lizarraga presently, as he’s competed in just 30 innings professionally so far. While the numbers won’t impress anyone presently, there’s so much spin and life on his pitches, that it’s hard not to drool on what he could do as he has a few more years under his belt in the minors and climbs his way to the big leagues. He’s reportedly been clocked at 93 mph on his fastball right now, but the pitch has so much bite to it that it looks very deceptive. Once he starts adding more muscle to his frame and gets better coaching and development, I would not doubt his fastball climbing in velocity as he gets older and matures. It will be incredibly interesting to see how he performs in 2022 and he is definitely a pitcher that not just Padres’ fans will want to know more of, but fans of great pitching potential in general.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
3. Victor Acosta SS | DSL Padres
17-Years-Old | Throws: R | Bats: S | 5’11” | 170 lbs | ETA: 2026
| HIT | PWR | FLD | ARM | SPD | Role |
| 55 | 45 | 55 | 50 | 60 | 5 |
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .285 | .431 | .484 | .915 | 5 | 26 | 7 | 18.8% | 15.8% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .199 | 153 | 25.4% | 41.8% | 19.4% | 38.8% | 47.5% | 25.2% | 27.3% |
Scouting Report:
Acosta was signed by the Padres out of the Dominican Republic for $1.8 Million and it’s already looking like a worthy investment by the Padres GM AJ Preller. Acosta is a switch-hitting shortstop that had an amazing start to his career in the DSL and was top 10 in OBP at .431 and top 15 in wRC+ at 155 in the DSL. His swing is more powerful from the left-side giving him more power from that side. I think his hit tool slightly surpasses his power tool but there’s surprising power with this 17 year old. The ball jumps off his bat and he has solid gap-to-gap power. On the other side, his fluid swing from both sides provides consistent line drive contact and should allow him to be a top of the order bat for the Padres. Defensively, he’s smooth with his quick hands and range, his athleticism and speed allow him to have plus speed and solid defense. In the end, the Padres have some young studs coming through their system but none of them may have the potential that Acosta posses as he looks like a solid player from both sides of the ball.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
4. Nerwilian Cedeno 3B | ACL Padres (RKL)
20-Years-Old | Bats: S | Throws: R | 5’11” | 175 lbs. | ETA: 2025
| AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | HR | SB | CS | K% | BB% |
| .241 | .354 | .537 | .891 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 30.3% | 13.6% |
| ISO | wRC+ | SwStr% | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| .296 | 124 | 24.0% | 42.9% | 22.9% | 34.3% | 34.3% | 28.6% | 31.1% |
| Hit | PWR | FLD | SPD | ARM | Role |
| 50 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 50 | 4 |
Scouting Report:
Cedeno spent his age 19 season in 2021 at the Arizona Complex League, and while he did struggle some, there is definite projection in his bat. He has enough drive and pop in his bat that he should produce decent homerun numbers but knows how to barrel up the ball with his whippy action that he’ll be an extra base hit machine as he does post above average times on the base paths. What’s most impressive about Cedeno is his ability to take the ball opposite field in the gap. There’s already some loft in his swing, so the homerun numbers will continue to rack up as he gets more experience, but he doesn’t sell out for homeruns.
Written By: Austin Farmer (@AustinF0421)
5. Jackson Wolf LHP | Lake Elsinore Storm (A)
22-Years-Old | Bats: L | Throws: L | 6’7″ | 200 lbs. | ETA: 2024
| IP | G | GS | ERA | WHIP | K% | BB% | HR/9 |
| 15 | 7 | 7 | 3.00 | 1.33 | 36.9% | 10.8% | 0.60 |
| SwStr% | xFIP | GB% | LD% | FB% | Pull% | Cent% | Oppo% |
| 19.0% | 3.61 | 35.5% | 32.3% | 32.3% | 48.5% | 21.2% | 30.3% |
| FB | SL | CH | Control | Role |
| 50 | 55 | 50 | 55 | 5 |
Scouting Report:
Wolf was the Padres 4th round pick out of West Virginia University in the 2021 draft. He signed for an under-slot deal at $300,000. Wolf has a tall, lanky frame that allows him to have a solid downhill plane and pitches from a lower three-quarter arm slot. While his fastball has underwhelming velocity (low-90’s) he has touched 93 mph and will play up due to the command and deception in his delivery. His best pitch is his breaking ball that’ll either look like a slurve when it has slower velocity or a full slider when it’s thrown with harder velocity. His changeup is an average pitch at best as he doesn’t have the feel for it as much as his other pitches but it still has good drop at times. He started off his minor league career on a good note posting a 3.00 ERA in 15 innings pitched while striking out 24 batters. Wolf could take a similar route to another former Padres left-handed pitching prospect Ethan Elliott, quietly rising through the system and turn into one of the better pitching prospects in the Padres system.
Written By: Drake Mann (@drakemann4)
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