As the Padres tackle Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft on July 14, A.J. Preller aims to find future stars. See their strategy after forfeiting a pick for Nick Pivetta.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
While the major league squad enjoys a well-deserved day off, the real action for the San Diego Padres today is happening in the draft room. After kicking things off on Sunday, the front office, led by A.J. Preller, is gearing up for a marathon Day 2 of the 2025 MLB Draft, a critical opportunity to inject a new wave of talent into the organization's pipeline.
The Padres are expected to continue their aggressive approach to player development and scouting, with a focus on high-upside prep arms and toolsy position players.
The phones will be ringing early, with rounds 4 through 20 kicking off at 8:30 a.m. PST. After making their first-round selection at 25th overall yesterday, the Padres' next turn doesn't come until pick No. 99 in the third round. That's the price of signing Nick Pivetta, as the team forfeited its second-round pick due to the qualifying offer attached to him. From there, however, the picks come steadily: No. 130 in the fourth, No. 160 in the fifth, and then the 25th selection in every subsequent round. It's a long day, but one packed with potential to find hidden gems.
If we know anything about this front office, it's that they don't play it safe. Expect the Padres to target high-ceiling talent, particularly promising high school pitchers and athletic, multi-skilled position players. After a season of ups and downs at the major league level, replenishing the farm system is paramount. This draft isn't just about filling spots; it's about finding the next potential superstar, the kind of player who can either anchor the big-league roster in a few years or become a key piece in a future trade. It’s an aggressive, high-risk, high-reward strategy that has become a hallmark of the Preller era.
Today is all about the future. While the names called might not be familiar to the average fan just yet, the selections made on Day 2 could shape the Padres' roster for years to come. Keep an eye on the draft tracker, as the front office works to build the next great wave of talent destined for Petco Park. The foundation for the 2028 Padres might just be laid today.
