Padres Pitching Prospect 'Long Shot' to Make Team

Maybe we could see this top pitching prospect later in the season.

We're a week away from the start of the 2024 season. The Padres' regular season will begin with a two-game series in Korea against their biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For the most part, the roster is set, and we have a good idea of who will be on the Opening Day roster. However, there are some question marks. One of the players on the fence is the No. 5 prospect for the Friars, right-handed pitcher Drew Thorpe. 

While Thrope has turned some heads in camp, the likelihood of the Padres bringing him to Korea seems dim.

San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee said the team would consider him a call-up, but it would be a' long shot' for him to make the team by the time they fly to Korea. 

"The last starting pitching prospect in camp, Thorpe said as of Wednesday afternoon he’d been given no clue one way or another if he’d be packing his bags for South Korea or staying behind in minor league camp. Members of the front office have indicated he is perhaps the first call-up candidate but a long shot to make the team."

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Kevin Acee, via San Diego Tribune

Thrope has been outstanding in his three appearances and one start in spring training. In seven innings, he has a 0.00 ERA with six strikeouts while only allowing three hits and a .130 average. 

The 23-year-old was a part of the Juan Soto blockbuster deal that brought him and four other players to San Diego in early December. It's not a long shot for Thorpe to make the big leagues as early as this season. If he shines in the minors, don't be surprised if the Friars call him up sooner rather than later.