Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 70 | Control: 65 | Overall: 55
After signing for $400,000 as the Marlins' eighth-round pick in 2015, Paddack turned in a dominant pro debut that continued into his first full season, and he had made three straight hitless starts and had a sub-1.00 ERA at Class A Greensboro when the Padres acquired him for Fernando Rodney in June. He was shut down with a right forearm strain the next month, had Tommy John surgery in August and missed all of 2017. After returning to the mound during fall instruction league, Paddack carved up hitters with precision in the California League and was promoted to Double-A early in July. Altogether, Paddack posted a 2.10 ERA between the two levels and led all Minor League pitchers (90 IP min.) with a 0.82 WHIP, 0.80 BB/9 and 15.00 K/BB.
Paddack's arsenal is unique because he pitches almost exclusively with his fastball and changeup, albeit extraordinarily well. He can dissect the zone with his heater as well as just about any young hurler, sitting in the low 90s and bumping 95-96 mph. Paddack's changeup is a true plus-plus pitch, thrown with convincing arm action and bat-evading tumble as it nears the plate. With his superb command of both pitches, Paddack compiled 120 strikeouts against just eight walks, with a 36.3 percent strikeout rate that was second in the Minors (90 IP min.). He uses his height to create good plane toward the plate, and it's only going to improve as he adds strength and gains better control of his core.
Paddack's mid-70s curveball is below-average and represents a distant third pitch. Even if he doesn't develop a usable breaking ball, Paddack could still carve out a role as a mid-rotation starter. He could get that chance in 2019 after the Padres added him to their 40-man roster. Statcast - Pitching Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 2280 378 27 7.1 86.9 14.9 .217 .383 .268 .275 .347 32.3 26.9 5.5 ALL 2280 378 27 7.1 86.9 14.9 .217 .383 .268 .275 .347 32.3 26.9 5.5 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 06/22/2019 San Diego Padres recalled RHP Chris Paddack from Lake Elsinore Storm. 06/12/2019 San Diego Padres optioned RHP Chris Paddack to Lake Elsinore Storm. 11/20/2018 San Diego Padres selected the contract of Chris Paddack from Amarillo Sod Poodles. 08/28/2018 RHP Chris Paddack assigned to AZL Padres 1 from San Antonio Missions. 07/05/2018 RHP Chris Paddack assigned to San Antonio Missions from Lake Elsinore Storm. 04/30/2018 Lake Elsinore Storm activated RHP Chris Paddack from the 7-day disabled list. 04/01/2018 RHP Chris Paddack assigned to Lake Elsinore Storm from Fort Wayne TinCaps. 09/26/2017 Fort Wayne TinCaps activated RHP Chris Paddack from the 60-day disabled list. 04/06/2017 Fort Wayne TinCaps placed RHP Chris Paddack on the 60-day disabled list. 09/08/2016 Fort Wayne TinCaps activated RHP Chris Paddack from the 7-day disabled list. 07/27/2016 Fort Wayne TinCaps placed RHP Chris Paddack on the 7-day disabled list. 06/30/2016 San Diego Padres traded RHP Fernando Rodney to Miami Marlins for RHP Chris Paddack. 06/30/2016 RHP Chris Paddack assigned to Fort Wayne TinCaps. 05/22/2016 RHP Chris Paddack assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers from GCL Marlins. 06/22/2015 Miami Marlins signed Chris Paddack. 06/22/2015 RHP Chris Paddack assigned to GCL Marlins.
