Denver, Colorado, USA; A detail view of a San Diego Padres hat on a glove in the dugout in the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres Prospect Leo De Vries on Pace to Join Historic Company in High-A

Originally posted on Minor League Baseball on SI
By Sam Connon | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 10:21 AM ET

Leo De Vries may be a few years away from breaking into the big leagues, but the San Diego Padres' top prospect has history on his side.

The 18-year-old Dominican shortstop, who is ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball, has been tearing it up with the Fort Wayne TinCaps in High-A in 2025. Despite being the youngest player at that level, he is still pushing for a quick promotion.

De Vries is batting .253 with five home runs, 11 doubles, three triples, 27 RBIs, 27 walks, six stolen bases and a .772 OPS through 49 games this season. Digging even deeper, he has a weighted runs created plus of 116 and an isolated power of .172.

According to FanGraphs, only four 18-year-olds since 2006 have had at least a .750 OPS, a 110 wRC+ and a .100 ISO in High-A, minimum 190 plate appearances. Mike Trout, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Wander Franco and Sebastian Walcott currently make up the exclusive club, but De Vries is on pace to join them.

Only 5 18-year-olds in High-A since 2006 have posted at least a .750 OPS, 110 wRC+, and .100 ISO (min. 190 PA):
Mike Trout, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Wander Franco, Sebastian Walcott, and Leo De Vries. pic.twitter.com/B4XmPwYZzJ
— Stolen Bases, Stolen Hearts (@StolenBasesSH) June 7, 2025

If the Padres have a Trout or Guerrero on their hands, the franchise should be in a good spot moving forward. Even Franco was an awards contender and All-Star before off-the-field legal issues derailed his career, while Walcott figures to be a keystone piece for the Texas Rangers' future.

De Vries will continue to blaze his own path, with his sights set the big leagues. MLB Pipeline estimates the infielder to reach the majors in 2027, at which point Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado will both be 34 years old.

This article first appeared on Minor League Baseball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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