One of the higher upside prep catchers in last year’s draft class, Ty Harvey, finds himself as the number eight prospect in the San Diego Padres' farm system going into the 2026 season. 

A catcher who graduated from Inspiration Academy out of Bradenton, Florida, Harvey was a Florida State commit before the Padres took him in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Harvey’s scouting report before the draft showed plenty of power in his swing for an 18-year old kid. The Friars thought highly enough of him to pay him more than triple his slot value ($1.5 million signing bonus) in order to break his commitment to FSU.

In summer showcases and the MLB Draft Combine, Harvey had plenty of home run swings that traveled over 400 feet as well as exit velocities reaching anywhere from 100-110 MPH. But prep catchers are a hard group to bank on maintaining their power from the time they’re drafted up until they reach the upper levels of the minors. 

Harvey’s seven-game sample size in 2025 showcased the challenge in adjusting to power in the pros from high school pitchers, as he didn’t have a single home run over his 30 plate appearances in Low-A. In fact, Harvey was only 4-for-23 with 12 strikeouts and seven walks. 

Any player's numbers in their first seven games in pro ball are not enough to judge what their future will be. In Harvey’s case, what we can draw is the makings of decent plate discipline, with a need to fix the holes in his swing that opposing pitchers were able to get via those 12 strikeouts. 

Harvey will return to Low-A Lake Elsinore to begin his 2026 season and have a runway there all season to work on his strengths and weaknesses at and behind the plate. The key thing to follow will be his power numbers. If he can hit anywhere from 15-20 home runs this season, he will be in good shape to climb up the rankings of the Padres’ farm system. If he doesn’t show that much power, then it’ll be a matter of whether he trades that for more contact and a higher walk rate than he's previously shown capable of producing.

Defensively, Harvey had one of the better throwing arms among prep catchers in his draft class. The sample size of how he calls games and stops bad pitches is still not enough to merit how strong his defense will be long term, but belief is strong that he'll stick behind the plate as he climbs the ladder.

Harvey will turn 20 on July 28 and has a good opportunity in front of him for his first full season in pro-ball. With Ethan Salas still holding the title of the Padres’ best catching prospect, it allows the organization more time to develop Harvey into their liking and not rush him up the system. In a best-case scenario, Harvey won't be MLB-ready until 2028 or 2029. If he crushes the pitching at Low-A, then it’s likely he moves up to High-A Fort Wayne by the end of this year. 

If Salas doesn’t turn out to be the MLB star he’s been projected to be, then Harvey will likely be the Padres' next chance at developing an All-Star-caliber catcher behind the plate for the long term.