With so much of the minor league system moved in deals for Dylan Cease, Luis Arraez, Tanner Scott and Jason Adam, the Padres moved quickly to retain minor league free agents who rank among the system’s top prospects.
Catcher Brandon Valenzuela and left-hander Omar Cruz are returning to the organization on minor league deals that include invitations to big-league camp. Valenzuela and Cruz are ranked No. 12 and No. 22, respectively, in the organization by MLB.com.
The 24-year-old Valenzuela hit .232/.312/.352 with nine homers and 47 RBIs in 111 games split between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso.
Cruz, 25, struck out 118 batters over 86⅓ innings (3.96 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) split between San Antonio and El Paso. He’s a reliever who generated some buzz in the front office as a potential call-up last September.
The Padres have also signed 25-year-old right-hander Eduarniel Nunez away from the Cubs and invited him to big-league camp. Nunez struck out 64 over 60⅓ innings (3.28 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) split between Double-A Tennessee (8-2, 0.98 ERA) and Triple-A Iowa (1-1, 6.85).
Minor league transactions to date also include re-upping with right-handers Raul Brito, Jose Geraldo and Yerry Landinez.
Outgoing minor league free agents whove been on the Padres 40-man roster include infielder Matthew Batten, catcher Chandler Seagle, right-handers Drew Carlton, Nabil Crismatt, Carl Edwards Jr. and Reiss Knehr and left-handers Daniel Camarena and Austin Davis.
INCOMING FREE AGENTS
RHP: Eduarniel Nunez (Cubs)OUTGOING FREE AGENTS
C: Michael De La Cruz, Kevin Plawecki, Chandler Seagle, Juan Zabala INF: Matthew Batten, Connor Hollis, Nate Mondou, Robbie Tenerowicz, OF: Ray Patrick-Didder, Timothy Locastro, Cal Mitchell, Robert Pérez, Zach Reks RHP: Drew Carlton, Nabil Crismatt, Yovanny Cruz, Carl Edwards Jr., Reiss Knehr, Reggie Lawson, Seth Mayberry, Bobby Milacki, Gabe Mosser, Josh Roberson, Nolan Watson LHP: Daniel Camarena, Ryan Carpenter, Austin Davis, Paul Fry, Jesus Gonzalez, Jayvien Sandridge