Graham Pauley

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Diego Padres #11 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Covid barred Pauley from the field entirely at Duke in 2020, and the backlog of players going to college when the majors shortened the draft limited his playing time his sophomore season. Rather than transferring, Pauley used that as fuel in seizing a starting job as a junior, and the limited exposure may have landed the Padres a steal in the 13th round in 2022. His first summer in pro ball was halted just before the California League playoffs as Pauley returned to Duke to finish his economics degree, but he breezed through three levels in 2023 as the organization’s hitter of the year, finishing the regular season in Double-A San Antonio.
  
  Scouting Report: A slightly open stance allows Pauley to get a longer look at pitches, and his strike-zone discipline is a strength. He also tapped into more power than even the Padres expected. He led the system with 23 home runs, including 16 in 45 games after a promotion to High-A Fort Wayne. He uses a short lefthanded swing with some loft. He made a point of keeping his front shoulder closed in 2023, and the change allowed him to hit lefthanders better than he had at any point in his career. His aptitude for picking out pitches to damage has also improved as a professional. He’s an average defender with the ability to move around the diamond. He saw time at third base, second base and both corner outfield spots in 2023. He’s athletic and smart enough to steal some bases, but first-step quickness and agility are points of emphasis moving forward in the field. He is a natural leader with an exemplary work ethic, one the Padres highlighted for Pauley’s younger teammates to mirror at each of his stops.
  
  The Future: At first glance, Pauley profiles as a utilityman in the majors, but off-the-charts makeup will allow him to squeeze every ounce out of his ability--and then some.
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 45 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50