4 years agoThe San Diego Padres player pool announcement Sunday was loaded with hyped youngsters. Of the 52 confirmed players, the Padres selected all 13 of their top prospects along with their first-round pick in the 2020 draft. The usual suspects were top-tier starters MacKenzie Gore and Luis Patiño who both had outside shots to crack the roster over a normal season. Other beneficiaries included outfielder Taylor Trammell, infielder CJ Abrams and catcher Luis Campusano. The biggest surprise was 18-year-old outfielder Robert Hassell III, the eighth overall pick earlier this month. With outfielder Juan Lagares omitted from the roster, Trammell’s playing prospects have substantially brightened, especially if unestablished Franchy Cordero or Josh Naylor stumble out the gates. Just 19 years old, Abrams could function as a speed specialist on the big league roster at the Padres weak second base position. While it’s possible the youngsters get a sniff of major league action in an unpredictable year, most will probably spend the season at the team’s alternate site. Without tangible fantasy impact in redraft leagues, the Padres commitment to developing young talent certainly bodes well for dynasty investors in the Friars farm system.--Andrew Le - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell