As the Padres gear up to kick off their Cactus League campaign against the Dodgers, the team is honing in on the potential of their young prospects. Excitement surrounds players like Jackson Merrill, ranked as the organization's No. 2 prospect in the MLB Pipeline rankings, as he vies for a spot in the outfield amid open opportunities within the team.

With the Cactus League offering a platform for promising talent to make their mark, eyes are also on pitchers such as Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Jairo Iriarte, as they compete for coveted rotation spots. The Padres are fostering a competitive environment with prospects like Robby Snelling and Drew Thorpe looking to turn heads and potentially secure a midseason callup.

Manager Mike Shildt expressed enthusiasm about the open competition within the team this spring, emphasizing the multitude of opportunities available for players across various positions. The Padres are embracing a new era of exploration and discovery, with 13 position-player spots up for grabs and roster decisions expected to be made based on performance.

The Padres are notably aiming to bolster their roster with left-handed bats and are actively scouting prospects like Graham Pauley, Jakob Marsee, and Nathan Martorella. These players, along with non-roster invitees, are expected to inject depth into the lineup and add versatility to the team's composition.

While the Padres are likely to make further additions before Opening Day, the current focus remains on cultivating talent from within and providing a platform for prospects to showcase their abilities. The team's dedication to nurturing young talent is evident in the inclusion of prospects like Ethan Salas, who, despite not making the Opening Day roster, is set to showcase his skills in the Cactus League and gain valuable experience playing alongside seasoned professionals.