The San Diego Padres have added another depth option to their system, signing first baseman Nick Pratto to a minor league contract and assigning him to Triple-A El Paso. The move comes as the organization continues to adjust its infield mix and evaluate long-term production at first base.
Pratto joins San Diego after a brief stint in the Texas Rangers organization, where he began the 2026 season before being released just one day prior to the Padres’ agreement. The timing of the move reflects a quick transition as he looks for a new opportunity to reestablish himself within a major league pipeline.
A former first-round pick, Pratto brings both pedigree and prior MLB experience, having previously appeared with the Kansas City Royals. His career path has included periods of promise in the minor leagues alongside challenges in maintaining consistent offensive production at the major league level.
For San Diego, the signing is a low-risk depth addition aimed at reinforcing an area of the roster that has seen frequent rotation and experimentation early in the season.
1. Offensive Profile And Triple-A Production
Pratto’s most recent game action came at the Triple-A level, where he played 26 games this season and posted a .237 batting average with a .287 on-base percentage. He also recorded a .473 slugging percentage, showing some ability to generate power despite inconsistency at the plate.
During that stretch, he hit five home runs and collected 10 extra-base hits, providing occasional pop in the middle of the lineup. However, his production was offset by a high strikeout total, with 33 strikeouts against just six walks.
Across his Triple-A career, Pratto has accumulated a .226/.327/.430 slash line, reflecting a long-term profile marked by power potential but also swing-and-miss concerns. His strikeout rate of roughly 30% has been a consistent challenge.
Despite those numbers, his ability to produce extra-base hits continues to keep him on organizational radars as a depth option with upside.
2. MLB Experience And Development Path
Pratto’s major league experience came primarily with the Kansas City Royals during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where he logged time as part of a developing roster. Over that span, he posted a .216/.295/.364 slash line in limited opportunities.
He appeared in 144 MLB games across his career, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 55 runs while showing flashes of power, including seven-homer seasons in both 2022 and 2023. His offensive output, however, remained inconsistent against major league pitching.
In 2024, he made a single MLB appearance as a late-game substitute, reflecting his transition into a depth and organizational role rather than an everyday position player. His major league OPS of .659 highlights the gap between his minor league power and MLB production.
Earlier in his development, Pratto showcased significant potential, most notably in 2021 when he hit 36 home runs and drove in 98 runs across Double-A and Triple-A, establishing himself as one of Kansas City’s top prospects at the time.
3. Padres’ First Base Situation And Roster Context
The Padres’ decision to add Pratto comes amid ongoing adjustments at first base, where the organization has rotated multiple options throughout the season. Internal evaluations have centered on balancing offensive production with defensive stability.
Recent roster changes included the release of Nick Castellanos last week after a brief period of usage at both first base and designated hitter. That move further opened opportunities for additional depth acquisitions.
So far, the Padres have primarily relied on Ty France and Gavin Sheets at first base, alternating roles depending on matchups and lineup construction. The lack of a settled everyday option has created opportunities for players within the system to compete for playing time.
Pratto is expected to begin his Padres tenure at Triple-A El Paso, where he will serve as organizational depth while also attempting to refine his plate discipline and reduce strikeouts in hopes of earning another major league opportunity.