Padres Ranked as One of the Most Improved Farm Systems in 2023

Their offseason moves to bolster the minor league ranks haven't gone unnoticed.

The Padres have worked all offseason improving the organization's farm system. They acquired center fielder Drew Campbell from the Atlanta Braves in the Matt Carpenter/Ray Kerr deal. Drew Thorpe, a 23-year-old right-hander, came over in the Juan Soto trade. Thirteen other players have signed minor league contracts with the Padres since free agency began.

The work is starting to show. Sam Dykstra of MLB.com recently listed the Padres as one of six teams to improve it's minor league system this offseason.

Coming into last season, MLB.com ranked the Padres farm system at 23rd in baseball. At the end of last season, they were ranked 9th overall. Now, it appears the farm has only gotten better since the end of last season. 

The Padres' system is led by left-handed pitcher Robby Snelling, who finished last season as the runner-up for MLB's Pitching Prospect of the Year. Making 20 starts across three levels, Snelling finished with a 1.82 ERA, 118 strikeouts in 103.2 innings. He ended the season at Double-A San Antonio, and could be in line for another promotion with a strong showing in spring.

Dykstra also went on to highlight Thorpe, who was traded to the Padres in exchange for Soto.

This past season, Thorpe was awarded as MLB's pitching prospect of the year after going 14-2 with a 2.52 ERA with 182 strikeouts, and a 0.98 WHIP in 139.1 innings pitched.

Aside from Thorpe and Snelling, the Padres' system is highlighted by young catcher Ethan Salas (estimated to debut in 2026) and shortstop Jackson Merrill, who is anticipated to make his MLB debut this season.

Last year, Merrill reached Double-A while slashing .273/.338/.444 with five home runs, 31 RBIs, and 13 doubles in 46 games.

The off-season isn't over yet, and the Padres still have work to do to improve their major league roster. For now, their work on the minor-league side isn't going unnoticed.