Padres Prospect Justin DeCriscio Making Most of Second Chance After Draft Snub

The San Diego Padres have a prospect who turned the disappointment of going undrafted into an opportunity to climb through their minor league system.

Justin DeCriscio was passed over in the 2024 MLB Draft after his junior season at the University of San Diego. He transferred to North Carolina State for one final chance to impress scouts.

The decision paid off.

San Diego selected DeCriscio in the 10th round of the 2025 draft, signing him for just $15,000.

Now the 23-year-old infielder is making his mark in the Arizona Fall League.

DeCriscio hit a three-run homer Tuesday for the Peoria Javelinas in an 11-10 victory, driving a changeup from Yankees prospect Chris Veach over the left-field fence.

The ball left his bat at 102 mph, his first triple-digit exit velocity of the Fall League.

He also showed his speed later in the game, reaching base on a bunt single against a 98.8 mph sinker.

According to MLB Pipeline's Sam Dykstra, DeCriscio has been working to slow down his movements at the plate to recognize pitches earlier and make better contact.

That development could be important for a player whose defensive versatility already provides several paths to the majors.

DeCriscio played five positions during the 2026 minor league season, primarily shortstop, second base and third base, while also appearing in both corner outfield spots.

His versatility was an asset as he advanced through three minor league levels in his first full season.

Across 121 games, he batted .270 with 13 home runs, 22 stolen bases and a .783 OPS.

DeCriscio's emergence comes as several other San Diego prospects are making an impression in Arizona.

Fellow prospect Alex McCoy has been turning heads with his power and speed, while catching prospect Ty Harvey is using the Fall League to make up for time lost to injuries.

DeCriscio isn't currently ranked among San Diego's top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline, but his rapid progression and defensive versatility could help him attract more attention.

He still has work to do offensively, particularly against the advanced pitching he is facing in Arizona.

However, Tuesday's home run demonstrated that his development isn't limited to what he can accomplish with his glove.

For a player who went undrafted in 2024 and signed for just $15,000 a year later, reaching Double-A in his first full professional season was already a significant accomplishment.

Now DeCriscio has another opportunity to prove he belongs among the Padres' more promising young players.