Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45

The Cardinals weren’t massive spenders at the opening of the January 2024 international window -- they were down $500,000 in pool money due to Willson Contreras’ signing the previous offseason -- but they still might have managed to sign a potential star in Padilla for $760,000 out of the Dominican Republic. The shortstop slashed .287/.391/.404 with one homer, four triples, five doubles and 22 steals in 35 games. He was named a Dominican Summer League midseason All-Star alongside fellow Top 30 talent Rainiel Rodriguez.

A switch-hitter, Padilla saw a lot more time from the left side than the right, where he only got 24 plate appearances and went 2-for-18 (.111) with five walks. That’s a sample-size issue but something worth monitoring as he heads stateside. His overall contact rate was solid, and he’s already shown a willingness to take his walks against wild DSL arms. His power was limited to the gaps in ’24. Optimistic evaluators expect he’ll get to at least average in-game pop as he fills out his frame, while others are concerned he’s behind the curve when it comes to current raw power.

Padilla can fly, though, and he can turn those balls to the gaps into doubles and triples with ease. He’s also a constant stolen-base threat, and he uses those wheels well with his promising range at shortstop. His plus arm strength gives him another defensive weapon, and while there’s always a chance he could slide to third, those concerns are quieter now than when he signed. The best farm systems are built around high-quality shortstops, and after graduating Masyn Winn in 2024, the Cardinals could have their next one at the six in Padilla.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40

The Cardinals were down $500,000 during the latest international signing window after having signed Willson Contreras in December 2022, but that didn’t stop them from making a few solid additions, headlined by MLB Pipeline’s No. 25 international prospect Branneli Franco ($800,000). Right behind in bonus money was the Dominican Republic native Padilla, who joined the organization for $760,000. The shortstop, who only turned 17 in June, was a Dominican Summer League All-Star in his first taste of the pros and finished with .287/.391/.404 line, 22 steals and a 121 wRC+ over 35 games.

A switch-hitter, Padilla got a lot more looks from the left side, where he showed a healthy contact rate, and while he showed a good approach as a right-handed batter with more walks (five) than strikeouts (four), he went just 2-for-18 in his limited time against southpaws. That will likely improve as he sees more lefties at the higher levels, but for now, it’s worth monitoring. The power in his 6-foot frame could get to average in time but played primarily to the gaps in the DSL with five doubles, four triples and only one homer. 

That works with Padilla’s present game as a player with promising wheels and a willingness to push the envelope on the basepaths. He’s been shortstop-only in his early pro looks, but there’s a possibility he slows down a touch as he matures and has to slide over to third. His plus arm strength would fit the corner position, even if that transition might be years away.

Awards

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	04/30/2025	SS Yairo Padilla assigned to FCL Cardinals from DSL Cardinals.
	03/06/2025	activated SS Yairo Padilla.
	07/20/2024	SS Yairo Padilla assigned to DSL NL All-Stars.
	06/03/2024	SS Yairo Padilla assigned to DSL Cardinals.
	01/15/2024	St. Louis Cardinals signed free agent SS Yairo Padilla to a minor league contract.