A major haul of talent arrived on the outermost shores of San Diego last summer, perking the ears of officials throughout baseball. In a partial realization of General Manager A.J. Preller’s plan, the Padres spent upward of $80 million on the amateur draft and international signings. Many of the acquisitions, while not nearly old enough to drink, possess the upside that might eventually lead to champagne celebrations.

Amid the commotion, arguably the fastest riser was one who predated Preller’s hiring. Luis Urias, still only 19, has surged on prospect lists and recently was ranked No. 6 in one of the sport’s deepest systems by Baseball America. A precociously gifted hitter and a versatile defender, the 5-foot-9 second baseman is impressing evaluators both outside and within the organization.

“He’s a very skilled player,” Preller said. “He’s always been very advanced for his age. Probably the biggest thing we’ve seen in the last two years is he’s added some physical strength. That’s shown up in some more extra-base hits, more gap-to-gap power.”

Urias opened last season as the youngest player in the California League. He finished the year hitting .330 with a .397 on-base percentage for High Single-A Lake Elsinore. He also held his own in a brief injury-replacement stint with Triple-A El Paso, going 4-for-9 at the plate. The campaign included the first six home runs of Urias’ professional career, 26 doubles and dual recognition as the Cal League’s MVP and Rookie of the Year.


During a loaded October exhibition, Urias looked like one of the best players on the field in the Padres’ “Futures Game” at Petco Park. In addition to a leaping interception of a line drive, he went 2-for-4 with a double off the left-field wall.

“I didn’t expect to be the MVP and all that, but I think the key was to go out to the field every day trying to get better, trying to do something every day, to have fun first of all and help the team win,” Urias said Wednesday as the Padres concluded their annual minicamp in San Diego. “I was very happy to know that all the hard work showed.”

Urias, whose older brother, Ramon, plays in the Mexican Pacific League, was signed by the Padres near the end of 2013. A native of Magdalena de Kino, Mexico, he debuted in rookie-ball the next year and has since earned a reputation as one of the minor leagues’ top hitters.

Through three seasons, Urias has hit .317 with a .395 on-base percentage. He showcased his mastery of the strike zone in 2016, walking more times (45) than he struck out (37). Urias’ bat-to-ball skills are enhanced by a simple right-handed swing geared toward line drives. A leg kick introduced in June resulted in a few fence-clearers, though Urias acknowledged that power may never be a focal point of his game.


“Old style that isn’t appreciated anymore,” a rival scout, providing an assessment, wrote in a text. “Gamer, overachiever. Smart, instinctive. Tools are not great but plays above them.”

In an age when seemingly every other middle infielder is posting 20-homer seasons, Urias’ frame and lack of physical projection prevent him from being considered an elite prospect. Yet more than a few evaluators see the skill set of a major league regular.

Urias has drawn comparisons to Placido Polanco, another 5-9 infielder who hit for a high average during a 16-year big-league career. Like Polanco, Urias plays second base but also has experience at third and shortstop, the position he originally signed to play. The Padres intend to continue giving him opportunities on the left side of the infield.

“He’ll get some time moving around,” Preller said. “He can catch and throw, he’s an accurate thrower, good arm strength. … From a development standpoint this year, he’ll get a chance to do a little bit of everything.”


One area for growth, Urias said, can be found on the basepaths. An average runner, he swiped eight bases last season but was caught stealing 13 times.

“I would like to help my team in that part, to have more stolen bases,” Urias said.

“I’ve been working on my upper body, too. Hitting home runs isn’t the idea, but I would like to have more homers,” he added, laughing.

Urias, who said he admires the game of Houston Astros dynamo Jose Altuve, likely will begin the season with Double-A San Antonio. He hopes to represent the Padres in the All-Star Futures Game in Miami this July, and to officially debut at Petco Park before the end of the season. While the latter may have to wait another year, Urias already has advanced further than his age, and stature, might suggest.


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