Analyzing Every San Diego Padres Rounds 6-10 Draft Pick In 2026 MLB Draft

[Gottie Chavez]

The San Diego Padres have added six new members to their organization already today, with 10 more draft picks still to go. You can find our analysis of their Round 5 pick, James Guyette, here.

Round 6, Pick 186 Overall: INF/2B Nu’u Contrades, Arizona State

The Padres selected Nu’u Contrades out of Arizona State, where he helped lead the Sun Devils to an NCAA Regional appearance. 

Spending all four years with the program, Contrades steadily improved each season, culminating in a career-best .366/.434/.762 batting line with a 1.197 OPS in his fourth year. Noted for his consistency and disciplined plate approach, this past season was highlighted by a significant power jump, hitting 21 home runs after having a previous career-high of eight during his freshman year.

Originally recruited as a shortstop, Contrades also spent time playing second and third throughout his collegiate career. Already 22 years old, his defensive versatility, combined with his polished offensive approach, makes him a well-rounded prospect that has the potential to move quickly through the farm system.

Round 7, Pick 215 Overall: 2B Joe Tiroly, Virginia

The Padres selected Joe Tiroly out of Virginia with the 215th overall pick. Tiroly is an infielder who entered the draft ranked No. 147 on MLB.com Draft Prospect rankings.

Transferring to Virginia after spending his first two seasons at Ryder University, he dealt with a minor foot injury that slowed his early season, but he quickly found his rhythm. Tiroly would finish the season leading the Cavaliers with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs while slashing .319/.408/.576 with a .984 OPS. 

He's hit at least 15 home runs in each of his three collegiate seasons, showcasing consistent power throughout his career. His average exit velocity and elite pull-air rate both rank among the top percentiles in college baseball, giving the Padres another intriguing power bat with significant offensive upside.

Round 8, Pick 245 Overall: P Sean Fitzpatrick, Arizona State

With the 245th overall pick, the Padres selected pitcher Sean Fitzpatrick from Arizona State.

After posting an ERA above 6.50 in his sophomore and junior seasons, Fitzpatrick rebounded in his senior year, finishing with a 3.12 ERA, 4-1 record, and 45 strikeouts over 31 appearances. Increasing his fastball velocity to the low-to-mid 90s, Fitzpatrick proved effective in many high-leverage situations, allowing just 11 earned runs all season. 

Deploying a low arm angle, Fitzpatrick presents the Padres with a battle-tested reliever with the potential to develop into a reliable bullpen arm.

Round 9, Pick 275 Overall: P Benjamin Stubbs, Troy

The Padres selected pitcher Benjamin Stubbs out of Troy with the 275th overall pick.

After spending his first three collegiate seasons with Division 2 Flagler College, Stubbs transferred to Troy for his senior year and slotted in as a reliable starter. He finished the season with a 6-3 record, 5.12 ERA, and led the team with 95 innings pitched, with much of his value coming from his ability to pitch deep into games. 

Stubbs delivered at least six innings in eight of his appearances and has a strong chance to stick as a starting pitcher during his climb to the big leagues.

Round 10, Pick 305 Overall: C Augie Lopez, USC

With the 305th overall pick, the Padres selected catcher Augie Lopez out of USC.

Lopez broke out in his sophomore season, leading the Trojans with 19 home runs while slashing .281/.366/.598 with a .964 OPS. Spending the second half of the season as USC’s primary designated hitter, Lopez will need to continue developing defensively to round out his profile behind the plate.

However, his power from the left side gives him a solid foundation and offers the Padres yet another intriguing backstop to develop.

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