Padres Have Deal With 16-Year-Old Who Throws 100 MPH

[Steve Drumwright]

The San Diego Padres have already landed a big fish in their 2027 international class.

Right-hander Yoel King, a 16-year-old Dominican who is already lighting up radar guns with 100 mph fastballs, has a pre-agreement to join the Friars in next year's signing class. The Padres are set to give King a huge signing bonus.

SOURCE: The San Diego Padres have reached a pre-agreement with Dominican prospect Yoel King, who at just 16 years old already throws over 100 mph. The bonus represents the highest amount ever given to a pitcher in the 2027 class. pic.twitter.com/Dz8kiUJKs6

— Wilber Sánchez (@wilberdata) February 11, 2026

A pre-agreement is nonbinding, but is typical of how signing international prospects works. King has made a commitment to the Padres. The next international signing window opens Jan. 15.

King also looks like he could step into a rotation immediately. According to one video, he is already 6-foot-5 and has a very well-built frame for a player his age.

 

 

 

 

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King would represent a huge building block as the Padres need to replenish their farm system following numerous trades that have left the cupboard barren. The Padres are at or near the bottom of many system rankings by various outlets.

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