SAN DIEGO -- The Padres sent a handful of intriguing prospects to the Arizona Fall League this month. Now, with the season about halfway over, a few of those prospects are standing out.
From a big-time power bat to a big-time power arm to a utilityman making his presence felt, here’s a look at three Padres prospects making an impact with the Peoria Javelinas in the Fall League:
1. OF Alex McCoy
McCoy checks in as the Padres’ No. 26 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. But he’s making a strong case for a much higher ranking when prospect rankings are revealed ahead of the 2027 season.
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He began the year with a solid start at High-A Fort Wayne, then moved to Double-A San Antonio, where he batted .314/.360/.467 down the stretch. (Excellent numbers at a home ballpark where it’s not easy to hit.)
McCoy’s big tool is his power. He crushes the baseball, producing 110-plus mph exit velocities somewhat routinely. His strikeout totals are high, but not quite at the level where it’s too much of a concern. Right now, you’d take the tradeoff, considering the level of slug he’s producing.
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And through three weeks in the Arizona Fall League, McCoy is continuing to produce. He has a .989 OPS, and his four homers are one shy of the AFL lead.
One of those homers was a walk-off blast last Thursday -- a two-run shot that sent Peoria to a 12-11 win. It was his second home run of the day. McCoy’s stock continues to rise this month.
2. RHP Francis Peña
Call it what it is: The 2025 season was a disappointment for Peña. One of the Padres’ most interesting relief prospects, Peña struggled with his control and posted a 4.99 ERA with Triple-A El Paso. Having turned 25 in January, Peña fell from most Padres prospect lists, including MLB Pipeline’s Top 30.
But after a demotion to Double-A San Antonio, Peña turned in an exciting bounceback season this year. He posted a 3.05 ERA. His strikeout rate was back up to previous highs. His walk rate dipped a small amount, too. Maybe, just maybe, there’s something still in there.
Through his first few weeks in the AFL, Peña has yet to allow an earned run across six outings. He’s pairing his usual big fastball -- upper 90s with some extension -- with a high-octane cutter as well.
If Peña could force his way back onto the Padres’ radar for a potential 2027 debut, it would be a very welcome development.
3. SS Justin DeCriscio
A largely unheralded prospect, DeCriscio is making a name for himself with his glove, while also reaching base at a .356 clip in the Fall League. It’s been quite a year for DeCriscio, who has climbed from Single-A Lake Elsinore to High-A Peoria, then Double-A San Antonio over the summer. The Fall League marks his fourth stop of the season.
DeCriscio is making it all count. He spoke with MLB Pipeline’s Sam Dykstra earlier this month and touted the importance of his versatility, getting reps across the diamond (even if he’s already a strong defender at short).
“It's an honor," DeCriscio said. “Happy to come here and keep playing ball and just doing what I do. I'm excited to be here, and it's been amazing.”
A 10th-round selection out of NC State in the 2025 Draft, DeCriscio isn’t going to be a superstar. But he sure looks like he could make an impact as a versatile glove-first utilityman.