AJ Preller’s first draft as general manager of the San Diego Padres could not have gotten off to a worse start. Without a first-round pick for the first time since 1992, it was already an uphill battle for a team that finished 77-85 the year prior. The Padres watched 50 picks evaporate from the draft board before having a chance to make their first selection.
Round 2, 51st overall: Austin Smith, RHP
And with the 51st overall pick, the Padres tabbed right-hander Austin Smith as a rotation asset of the future.