Korry Howell could be the next breakout prospect for the Padres
Credit: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
The San Diego Padres are certainly used to seeing their prospects perform well enough to be among the top farm systems in all of baseball.
However, as it stands now, that is no longer the case.
The Padres now have the 28th-ranked farm in all of MLB. All of those years of owning the top system paid off, as the Friars have now built a roster to compete for a World Series title.
Shortstop and former first-round draft pick Jackson Merrill leads the list of prospects for SD.
Pitchers Dylan Lesko and Robby Snelling round out the top 3.
Sitting at No. 9 for the Padres is Korry Howell.
The right-handed hitter isn’t a familiar name for many because he wasn’t drafted or signed by the Padres. Howell and Brett Sullivan were acquired for Victor Caratini and cash before the start of last season.
Korry Howell slugged his 3rd AA home run of the season last night for @biloxishuckers and drove in three of their five runs scored. pic.twitter.com/UlxBFi52cE
— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) September 10, 2021
Howell is an intriguing name to watch for as the start of the 2023 campaign begins. The 24-year-old has an ETA of 2023, according to MLB Pipeline. He is expected to make a huge leap after the incredible season he had in 2021. Prior to being traded to the West Coast, Howell posted a line at .244/.349/.455 with 16 homers, 51 RBIs, and 24 steals for Single-A Wisconsin.
His numbers improved in Double-A San Antonio last season but only played in 48 games. He ended with a line at .253/.390/.486 with an OPS at .876. The speedster stole 12 bags while registering 37 hits and 25 walks. There is a lot to like about this young prospect.
MLB Pipeline rated his speed at a max of 70 while his hit and power are at 45. He lacks an arm and home run p,ower but he is capable of playing both the outfield as well as infield if needed. We will likely see him play a majority of the outfield this see,ason as the centerfield seems to be his spot.
#webgem! from @Korry_Howell 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/6s6IGhmL1j
— Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (@TimberRattlers) August 1, 2021
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The Padres are building a team to win. They are currently short on outfield talent at the major league level. By no means will Howell get a chance early in the season, but if he continues to play well and shows his maturity, then the Friars could entertain him at some point in the season. We saw Brandon Dixon, Eguy Rosario, and even Brett Sullivan spend some time at the major league level last season.
If Howell gets off to a fast start in 20,23, then he is a potential breakout candidate for this ball club. The team is searching for outfielders and that may only help his cause and motivation to perform at the highest level possible.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris is also an athlete and is huge fan of San Diego sports. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and contributes regularly about the Padres.