By: @PadresConnect
Pictured: Mackenzie Gore delivers a pitch during Padres Spring Training in 2022
Not one, but two highly touted Padres prospects are getting a chance to make a name for themselves early on in this 2022 MLB season. The first, CJ Abrams, who made the Opening Day roster, and now, MLB Pipeline's #85 Prospect Mackenzie Gore.
His overall prospect ranking has fallen off a bit since Gore has faced mechanical issues and slight struggles in recent minor league seasons; however, the Padres are confident his work with pitching coach Ruben Niebla has remedied those issues.
Still, much has been made about Gore's path to the big leagues and more than a few Padres fans are hoping that the comparisons between him and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw don't just stop at their signature high leg kicks.
But before we craft the bronze bust and induct Gore into Cooperstown, here is a quick overview of Gore's path to starting his first major league game.
High School: Gore attended Whiteville High School in Whiteville, North Carolina. There, he was credited with a 12-1 record with a microscopic 0.08 era in 88 innings while striking out 174 batters. He led Whiteville to 3 state championships and was named MVP in all three seasons.
Drafted: Round 1, Pick 3 (2017)
Other notable 3rd overall picks since the year 2000 include: Manny Machado, Evan Longoria, Carlos Rodon, Trevor Bauer, and Eric Hosmer
Notable San Diego Padres Players in 2017: Jhoulys Chacin, Jared Weaver, Carlos Asuaje, Jabari Blash, Christian Villanueva, and Austin Hedges
Minor Leagues:
Arizona League Padres (2017): 0-1 Record, 1.27 ERA, 21 innings, 34 strikeouts, and a 0.98 WHIP.
Fort Wayne TinCaps (2018): 2-5 Record, 4.45 ERA, 60 innings, 74 strikeouts, 1.302 WHIP
Lake Elsinore Storm (2019): 7-1 Record, 1.02 ERA, 79.1 innings, 110 strikeouts, 0.71 WHIP.
After COVID saw the 2020 minor league season washed away, much had been made of Gore's minor league work in 2021. He began the 2021 season with the El Paso Chihuahuas, but was placed on the injured list after compiling a 5.85 ERA over six starts to go along with various mechanical issues. Gore made three rehab appearances before he was assigned to the San Antonio Missions where he threw eight innings while walking 9, striking out 16, and giving up 3 earned runs.
El Paso Chihuahuas (2022): 0.00 ERA, 7 innings, 5 strikeouts, 0.40 WHIP
Spring Training:
San Diego Padres (2022): 0-0 Record, 4.50 ERA, 12 innings, 16 strikeouts
Final Note: Gore's call up has as much to do with his solid spring/start to the year as it does with the Padres seemingly endless need for starting pitching. With Blake Snell and Mike Clevinger still working their way back from injury, the Padres are ready to see what they have in Mackenzie Gore.
What remains to be seen is what will happen with Gore once Snell and Clevinger come back. Perhaps the Padres wanted to see what they have in Gore and how he'll respond to the challenge of MLB hitters. In a season where the Padres are looking to make noise in the playoffs, they'll likely want to see as much of Gore at the MLB level and how he can help the team potentially down the line.
For now, two things are certain, the Friar Faithful are anxiously awaiting Gore's first pitch in the majors, and Petco Park will be a madhouse if he pitches well.
Thank you for reading! Padres Connect exists for the purpose of providing analysis, insight, sparking conversation, and discussing the team we all love without agendas and without having to pay to subscribe. We believe Padres baseball talk should be accessible to everyone and serve as a supplement to following the game we know and love. If there's a topic you'd like us to dive into please shoot us a DM @padresconnect on Twitter or send us an email to padresconnect@gmail.com.
Comments