Handing out $444 million in contracts for Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado over the last two years has led the Padres to shift their corner infield assets around the diamond, as few as they are as arguably the weakest position in a talent-rich farm system.
Josh Naylor, for instance, began playing a corner spot in the outfield last year as Hosmer joined the organization and Ty France, this year’s Pacific Coast League MVP, has accelerated his education at second base during his extended September look in the majors.
Even prospect Hudson Potts added second base to his workload at Double-A Amarillo this year.