San Diego Padres outfield prospect Joshua Mears crushed four homers over the weekend, earning a spot on MLB Pipeline's Prospect Team of the Week. The 20-year-old was in a deep funk at Low-A Lake Elsinore, tallying just two hits in June before the power outburst. Possessing prodigious raw power, the Friars No. 9 prospect is slashing .222/.384/.444 with five dingers and seven steals across 125 plate appearances. Unfortunately, Mears has dealt with persistent contact issues, striking out at a 39 percent clip. With his potential mostly untapped, Mears is several years from major league relevance but certainly someone to observe in dynasty.
San Diego Padres outfield prospectJoshua Mears demolished a 117.3 mph home run Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies. The 20-year-old non-roster invitee is just 1-for-7 this spring, but his long ball would've been one of the hardest hit last season in the majors. The Friars 2019 second-round pick and No. 10 prospect (per MLB Pipeline) possesses incredible power, stinging seven homers in 195 plate appearances in his first taste of Rookie ball two years ago. Still a raw player, Mears' upside is offset by a strikeout rate north of 30 percent and subpar defense. He'll likely open the year in Single-A, but his dynasty stock will surely leap if he taps into his natural raw power.