Henry Baez, born in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, signed with the Padres as an international free agent in 2019. He has progressed through the minor league system, making 26 starts in 2024 between High-A Fort Wayne and Double-A San Antonio. His performance earned him the Padres' Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. This season, he is showing real views into the future of Padres baseball. In nine starts this season, he has an impressive 2.70 ERA with 45 strikeouts in as many innings pitched.

Baez stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 175 pounds. He possesses a fastball that sits in the low 90s, complemented by a slider and changeup. His command and control have improved over time, enabling him to navigate lineups effectively. This season, opposing teams have managed to average around seven hits per nine innings, while Baez allows fewer than three walks per nine innings, with a home run every 18 innings pitched. Keeping baserunners on the bags has been a key to his early successes. After being invited to Arizona for spring training this year, the Padres see his near-future potential to make an impact on the club's 40-man roster.  Baez's ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact makes him a reliable starter prospect. Look for this name on a mound near you in a few seasons.