Padres Roundup, Oct 22: DeCriscio's Progress, Salas' 2026, McCoy's AFL, Merrill's 2026, Campus

[Padres Mission]

Here is some of the latest Padres analysis from around the internet. The roundup covers Justin DeCriscio's offensive development, Ethan Salas' potential promotion, Alex McCoy's Arizona Fall League performance, Jackson Merrill's overlooked 2026 season, Luis Campusano's breakout, and Adam's 40-man roster grading.

• Versatile glove-first Padres '25 draftee focusing on strides at the dish this fall (MLB.com). Notes that Justin DeCriscio, a 2025 Padres draft pick, is focusing on improving his offensive game in the Arizona Fall League after being selected in the 10th round for $15,000, highlighting his versatility as a defensive-first player who played five positions in 2026 and hit .270/.358/.425 with 13 homers and 22 steals.
• The future is now for Salas -- what does that mean for Padres? (MLB.com). Notes that Ethan Salas' 2026 season marked a breakthrough after struggles and injuries, including a .256 batting average and .737 OPS in 16 games, leading the Padres to consider his promotion despite having established catchers.
• Padres’ Alex McCoy showing off loud tools in Arizona Fall League (San Diego Union-Tribune $$$). Notes that Padres prospect Alex McCoy is showcasing loud tools in the Arizona Fall League, hitting two home runs, including a 118.2 mph blast, and posting a .250/.333/.536 line with six RBIs and four steals in eight games.
• Why Jackson Merrill's 25-25 season went unnoticed, and why Padres' star will make sure it doesn't happen again (Friars on Base). Notes that Jackson Merrill's 26-27 season went unnoticed due to his poor first-half performance (.628 OPS, 76 wRC+), despite a strong second half (.304/.339/.569, 148 wRC+), and projects he will improve in 2027.
• San Diego’s breakout backstop (Gaslamp Ball). Argues that Luis Campusano broke out in 2026 with a .265/.363/.433 line, 1.7 WAR, and improved defense, despite missing time with an injury, making him a key upgrade for the Padres' catching situation.
• Grading every Padre on 40-man roster (Gaslamp Ball). Ranks Adam on the Padres’ 40-man roster, noting his 2.62 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 2026, though his grade is lowered due to a 34 1/3-inning season caused by a shoulder strain, and highlights his potential free agency after a career of sub-3.00 ERA seasons.