Padres projected to take a top-ranked high school slugger in early 2026 mock draft

Jared Bloom

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Padres projected to take a top-ranked high school slugger in early 2026 mock draft image

The San Diego Padres are coming off a trying season. They were able to make the postseason via the Wild Card, but that would be it for them. 

San Diego would lose a 2-1 series against the Chicago Cubs, ending their season. Now, the attention is turned toward the future state of the club. 

One thing the club needs to improve on is its farm system. They have traded away tons of their top prospects in previous years, but could add to their farm system in next year's draft. 

Padres projected to take a top-ranked high school slugger in early 2026 mock draft

San Diego has earned itself the 21st overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Despite a late pick, there will still be tons of great talent to choose from here. 

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently came out with his early 2026 mock draft. In it, he believes that California high school outfielder Blake Bowen could be a good fit. 

"The Padres have never been shy about rolling the dice on upside with high school talent, and Bowen offers one of the highest ceilings in the class thanks to his 60-power, 60-speed profile. There are still questions about his hit tool, but he made more consistent contact last summer, and more of the same thing this spring could push him significantly further up draft boards."

Bowen is considered by scouts as someone with raw tools that could still be developed. He is a former football player and relies on pure athleticism in the outfield. 

He is also someone that scouts believe could rise on the draft boards if he continues to play well this spring. While he plays center field, he has the arm to transition to right field in the future if needed.

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Editorial Team