San Diego Padres Minor League Hitters of the Month - July 2025

From high-contact table-setters to power-hitting outfielders, several prospects and organizational depth pieces made strong cases for recognition this month. Before we get into the top five, here are two players who just missed the cut but still deserve recognition for their July performances.

Honorable Mention: Zach Evans (Lake Elsinore Storm) – 32 H, 5 2B, 12 RBI, 11 R, 7 SB, .320/.398/.370, 14:13 K:BB
Evans wasn’t flashy with power, but he was a consistent presence at the top of the order. He notched 32 hits and swiped seven bags while walking nearly as often as he struck out. His .320 average and .398 OBP helped drive a steady July for the Storm offense.

Honorable Mention: Albert Fabian (San Antonio Missions) – 17 H, 2 HR, 4 2B, 9 RBI, 8 R, .333/.386/.529, 11:4 K:BB
Despite playing in just 15 games, Fabian made an impression. He posted a .333 average and slugged .529, with 6 of his 17 hits going for extra bases. If he’d had more at-bats, he might’ve cracked the top five.

5. Brandon Lockridge (El Paso Chihuahuas) – 23 H, 2 HR, 4 2B, 6 RBI, 19 R, 7 SB, .291/.402/.468, 17:15 K:BB
Lockridge gave the Chihuahuas a jolt at the top of the order. He hit .291, drew 15 walks, and stole seven bases, showcasing speed and plate discipline. While his power numbers were modest, he was a consistent run scorer with 19 runs. His standout July helped boost his trade value, and at the deadline, the Padres sent Lockridge to the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that netted lefty Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Jorge Quintana. 

4. Forrest Wall (El Paso Chihuahuas) – 28 H, 1 HR, 6 2B, 16 RBI, 14 R, 7 SB, .346/.382/.506, 16:4 K:BB
Wall continued to show why he's one of the more versatile and valuable bats in the system. He hit .346 with six doubles and added seven stolen bases, showing his disruptive potential on the bases. His 16 RBI and 14 runs scored helped fuel a productive El Paso lineup, and his ability to impact games in multiple ways stood out once again.

3. Brandon Butterworth (San Antonio Missions) – 30 H, 6 HR, 3 2B, 14 RBI, 16 R, .313/.347/.552, 18:5 K:BB
Butterworth brought the thump in July. He mashed six home runs and slugged .552, giving the Missions power from the infield. While his walk rate dipped a bit, he still managed a strong .313 average and drove in 14 runs. Known earlier in the year for his contact skills, Butterworth’s power breakout turned heads, and it didn’t go unnoticed at the big-league level. At the trade deadline, Butterworth was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles as part of the package that brought Ryan O’Hearn and Ramón Laureano to San Diego. For the Padres, it was a win-now move. For Butterworth, it’s a fresh opportunity in a new organization after a breakout month.

2. Nate Mondou (El Paso Chihuahuas) – 32 H, 4 2B, 14 RBI, 12 R, .364/.434/.432, 16:10 K:BB
Mondou was the model of consistency throughout July. He led the group in hits and hit an impressive .364 with a .434 OBP. Though he only had five extra-base hits, his ability to put the ball in play and work counts (16:10 K:BB) gave the Chihuahuas a reliable presence in the lineup. His steady production in the middle of the order helped anchor the hot offense in July.

1. Yonathan Perlaza (El Paso Chihuahuas) – 26 H, 5 HR, 7 2B, 22 RBI, 20 R, .306/.429/.565, 20:19 K:BB
Perlaza did it all in July. He hit for power, got on base at a high clip, and drove in runs at a remarkable pace. His .306/.429/.565 slash line led all qualified Padres minor leaguers in OPS, and he added five home runs and seven doubles to that production. With 22 RBI and 20 runs scored, both tops among this group, Perlaza was El Paso’s offensive engine.

One of the most impressive aspects of Perlaza’s month was his plate discipline. He walked 19 times and struck out just 20, making him one of only two players in the system with a near 1:1 K:BB ratio while maintaining elite slugging numbers. That balance of patience and power made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers.

Perlaza’s bat stayed hot all month long, never going more than one game without a hit. Whether he was working deep counts or jumping on mistake pitches early, his at-bats were consistently competitive. His ability to adjust to different arm angles and pitch types stood out, and he seemed to find barrels with ease.

If Perlaza continues this stretch into August, he’ll start forcing conversations about a potential look in San Diego. At the very least, he’s positioning himself for a key role down the stretch at Triple-A.