Three under the radar prospects that could make a 2020 impact

Kevin Padlo

Kevin Padlo was originally picked by the Colorado Rockies in the 2014 draft. He then signed for above slot value and played one season in the Rockies’ system.

He was then traded to Tampa Bay in the deal involving Cory Dickerson and Jake McGee.

He came out hot to start his time in the Rays system hitting .229 while adding 16 home runs and 66 RBIs to his name. After that, he struggled in 2017 and 2018.

2017 was filed with injures playing in just 69 games, and in 2018, he repeated A advanced in Port Charlotte. However, in 2019, he regained his form hitting 21 home runs while advancing from Double- to Triple-A.

Padlo finished the season with numbers better against lefties than righties. With a 1.240 OPS against lefties compared to the .823 mark against the right side.

He also had a higher average, slugging, and on-base percentage against lefties as well. However, he was able to hit more home runs against right-handed pitching in 2019. Numbers like that are what make Padlo an intriguing prospect that many may not know.

The Rays added Padlo to their 40-man roster after the season, shielding him from exposure to the Rule 5 Draft. This type of move shows the Rays value Padlo still not even wanting to run the risk of losing him.

The Rays will surely hope Yandy Diaz can handle the everyday duties at third, but if that fails or the injury bug hits Tampa hard, we could see Padlo in Tampa in 2020.