Padres Add Abrams, 1st-Round Pick, to TinCaps
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The San Diego Padres have transferred shortstop C.J. Abrams to the Class A Fort Wayne TinCaps from the rookie-level Arizona League. MLB.com rates Abrams, an 18-year-old, as the No. 5 Padres prospect and the 48th best overall prospect in the sport. Abrams was selected by the Padres
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The San Diego Padres have transferred shortstop C.J. Abrams to the Class A Fort Wayne TinCaps from the rookie-level Arizona League. MLB.com rates Abrams, an 18-year-old, as the No. 5 Padres prospect and the 48th best overall prospect in the sport. Abrams was selected by the Padres with the sixth pick in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, Ga.
"C.J. probably has as much ceiling as any player in this year's draft," said A.J. Preller, San Diego's Executive Vice President/General Manager, after selecting Abrams. "He's one of the fastest guys that's been in the draft in the last 10 years. That plays on the bases, he steals bases, and he also makes a lot of contact. He's tough to strike out."
"As much ceiling as any player in this year's draft... probably one of the fastest guys that has been in the draft over the last 10 years"
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) June 7, 2019
--@Padres GM AJ Preller on CJ Abrams#FriarFaithful | #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/vYY0Epxe37
Abrams earned his promotion to Fort Wayne after leading the Arizona League in hitting with a .401 batting average across 32 games. That was 14 points higher than any other qualifying player. He was also tied for the league lead in triples with eight and tied for fourth in doubles with 12. Combined with three home runs, his .662 slugging percentage and 1.104 OPS both ranked second in the circuit. Abrams drew 10 walks against only 14 strikeouts on his way to a .442 on-base percentage, eighth highest in the AZL. He also had 14 stolen bases.
At 18, Abrams is the first prep player in the 2019 Draft to reach the Class A level and is now the youngest player on Fort Wayne's roster. He'll turn 19 on Oct. 3. The average age for a position player in the Midwest League this year is 21.2 years old. (The TinCaps already have had the youngest lineup by average age at 20.3.)
Since the TinCaps moved into Parkview Field in 2009, Fort Wayne now has seen all 16 first round (and compensatory first round) selections the Padres have signed. That list includes 10 players who've reached the major leagues, including current Padres outfielder Hunter Renfroe from the 2013 draft, and up-and-coming prospects like starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore , who was drafted in 2017 and pitched for the 'Caps last year.
Yesterday, we welcomed @CJAbrams01 into the #Padres family.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 9, 2019
Here's a look back at his first day as a Padre. #PadresOnDeck pic.twitter.com/iu563zsHGA
"No one in Minor League Baseball has seen more top-tier talent in recent years than fans at Parkview Field," said TinCaps President Mike Nutter. "We're excited to welcome C.J. to Fort Wayne and can't wait to see him develop here as both a person and a prospect."
Abrams is set to make his debut on Tuesday afternoon as the TinCaps, who are on a five-game winning streak, host the Detroit Tigers-affiliated West Michigan Whitecaps at 12:05 p.m. Abrams, who will wear uniform No. 9, is leading off as the designated hitter.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound shortstop joins four other "Top 30"-rated Padres prospects in left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers (No. 8), infielder Tucupita Marcano (No. 16), left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo (No. 19), and catcher Blake Hunt (No. 30).
The TinCaps are in the midst of a homestand that continues through Friday night. Fort Wayne has 14 games remaining at Parkview Field this season. Fans can purchase tickets at TinCapsTickets.com, by calling 260-482-6400, and at the Parkview Field Ticket Office.
TinCaps fans around Indiana can watch home games on Comcast Network 81. All of the team's remaining games this season can also be seen on MiLB.TV. The promo code "TINCAPS" saves fans $10 on their subscription that also gives access to games around Minor League Baseball.
More Notes on Shortstop C.J. Abrams
- Prospect Rankings: No. 5 in Padres system, No. 48 overall in baseball
- Age: 18 / Born: Oct. 3, 2000 in Alpharetta, Ga. (northern suburb of Atlanta)
- Height: 6'2" / Weight: 185
- Bats: Left / Throws: Right
- Drafted: No. 6 overall in 2019 by the Padres
- High School: Blessed Trinity in Roswell, Ga. (alums include Braves catcher Tyler Flowers and White Sox infielder Matt Skole)
- College Commitment: University of Alabama
- Previous Experiences: In 2018, won a gold medal with Team USA in the U-18 Pan-American Championships in Panama. Started all nine games and was named to the All-Tournament Team… On the showcase circuit, played in multiple MLB ballparks such as Wrigley Field and Petco Park in San Diego… 2019 Georgia Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year (struck out only 12 times over his 4-year high school career)… Has been clocked running a 6.29 60-yard dash and running from home plate to first base in less than four seconds… Throws from shortstop to first have been recorded at 91 MPH
- Fun Facts: First favorite player was Ken Griffey Jr…. Also grew up playing basketball (can do a windmill dunk) and football… Has volunteered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and CURE Childhood Chancer
2025 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE!
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps have announced their exciting 2025 promotional schedule, including fireworks, giveaways, theme games, and special appearances. With Opening Day at Parkview Field only 50 days away on Friday, April 4, tickets are on sale, starting at just $7. Fans can purchase their seats
'CAPS CALENDAR: July 29 - August 3
Presented by Groundworks Tuesday, July 29 (7:05pm) - POSTGAME FIREWORKS presented by Gerber Collision & Glass - Family Feast Night presented by US Foods: Enjoy concessions from the Value Menu ($5 or less) - Princess Night: Join the TinCaps for a magical night at Parkview Field, featuring our friends from
RECAP: TinCaps Drop Heartbreaker in Sunday Matinee
Box Score CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Fort Wayne TinCaps fell in walk-off fashion to the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Minnesota Twins affiliate) on Wednesday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 5-4. Cedar Rapids (14-11, 54-37) shortstop Kyle De Barge acted as the hero with a two-run, walk-off single in the bottom
260 TO THE SUMMER CLASSIC: Five Former TinCaps Named to All-Star Rosters
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Four former Fort Wayne TinCaps, Max Fried (2013 & 2014), MacKenzie Gore (2018, 2021), Andrés Muñoz (2017), Adrian Morejon (2017) and Fernando Tatis Jr. (2017) have been selected to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX) at
Leo De Vries Selected for MLB All-Star Futures Game
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps shortstop Leo De Vries has been selected to play in Major League Baseball’s 2025 All-Star Futures Game on Saturday, July 12 (4:10 p.m. ET) at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, home of the Atlanta Braves. Rosters for the National League and American League
PSM TinCaps: Parkview Sports Medicine, TinCaps Launch Travel Baseball Program
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In collaboration with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, Parkview Sports Medicine (PSM) is excited to announce and introduce the new premier Youth Travel Baseball Program in the region, beginning in the 2026 season, the PSM TinCaps. Tryouts for the 2026 season are scheduled for July 15 for
MWL PITCHER OF THE WEEK: Eric Yost
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps right-handed pitcher Eric Yost has been named the Midwest League Player of the Week, Minor League Baseball announced Monday. On Saturday, June 21, against the Dayton Dragons (Reds affiliate), Yost helped the ‘Caps combine for their second one-hit shutout of the season. After
HELP WANTED: Apply to Work for 2025 Season
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – A new season of Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball at Parkview Field begins April 4, so as Opening Day approaches, the team is hiring hundreds of part-time, seasonal employees. CLICK HERE TO APPLY Available positions range from working concessions to ballpark sanitation, The Orchard Team Store, and
ONE LAST BITE: TinCaps to Play as Tenderloins for Final Time
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Parkview Field will host the final edition of the Hoosier State Tenderloins Series presented by Indiana Pork from Thursday, June 12, through Saturday, June 14, as the Fort Wayne TinCaps take on the South Bend Cubs (Chicago Cubs affiliate) in Minor League Baseball action. The TinCaps
MWL PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Leo De Vries
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps shortstop Leo De Vries has been named the Midwest League Player of the Month for April, Minor League Baseball announced Monday. Across 19 games, the No. 1 San Diego Padres prospect led the Midwest League in slugging percentage (.625) and on-base plus slugging
MWL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Leo De Vries, Again
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps shortstop Leo De Vries has been named the Midwest League Player of the Week for a second consecutive week, Minor League Baseball announced Monday. The honor also comes on the heels of winning the Midwest League Player of the Month award for April.
260 TO THE SHOW: TinCaps Alums on Opening Day Rosters
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – As the 2025 Major League Baseball season commences, a total of 32 former TinCaps players appeared on MLB Opening Day rosters. Since Fort Wayne’s Minor League Baseball franchise was established in 1993, there have been 228 players who’ve ascended from playing in the Summit City to
RECAP: TinCaps Take Series Opener in Cedar Rapids
Box Score CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps dialled up the long ball twice in Tuesday night’s 4-2 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins affiliate). Third baseman Rosman Verdugo (No. 24 Padres prospect) got the scoring started for Fort Wayne (14-11, 45-45) by depositing a solo home
RECAP: Fort Wayne Falls in Series Finale
Box Score EASTLAKE, Ohio. – The middle of the Fort Wayne TinCaps’ order shouldered the load in Sunday’s 7-5 loss to the Lake County Captains (Guardians Affiliate). Shortstop Leo De Vries (No. 1 Padres prospect) reached in three of his five plate appearances and collected another multi-hit game. The shortstop
RECAP: Garrett Hawkins Makes History in 'Caps Win
Box Score EASTLAKE, Ohio. – TinCaps reliever Garrett Hawkins secured a pair of Fort Wayne records in the Fort Wayne TinCaps' 3-2, 10th-inning win over the Lake County Captains (Guardians affiliate). Securing his seventh win of the season, Garrett Hawkins retired all six batters he faced, striking out four. Hawkins
RECAP: Butterworth Shows Out in Loss
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – TinCap infielder Brandon Butterworth put together another strong performance in the box in Friday night’s 4-2 loss to the Lake County Captains. Butterworth got things going for Fort Wayne (12-10, 43-44) right away to lead off the ball game with a solo shot to
RECAP: TinCaps Outhit River Bandits in Sunday Loss
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The TinCaps fell in Sunday’s series finale heading into the All-Star break against the Quad Cities River Bandits (Royals affiliate), 6-2. Starter Luis Gutierrez looked sharp for Fort Wayne (12-9, 43-43) in his fifth start at the High-A level. The left-hander pitched five innings
RECAP: Butterworth Two Home Run Performance Gives TinCaps Win
Box Score 7,000-plus Fans Watch The Braedon and Brandon Show FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In front of their ninth sellout crowd of the season, the Fort Wayne TinCaps took a slugfest over the Quad Cities River Bandits (Royals affiliate), 11-8. Eight of the nine Fort Wayne (12-8, 43-42) starters recorded
RECAP: TinCaps Even Series with Quad Cities
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In front of a crowd of over 7,000, the Fort Wayne TinCaps evened up the series against the Quad Cities River Bandits (Royals affiliate), winning 8-6. Shortstop Brandon Butterworth had his team-leading fifth three-hit and 19th multi-hit performance of the season. The NC State
WHERE TO WATCH: TinCaps Announce Broadcast Schedule
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Fort Wayne TinCaps fans will again get the opportunity to follow their team wherever they go during the 2025 season. For a third consecutive season, the TinCaps are partnering with 21Alive to showcase select games on MyNetworkTV in the Fort Wayne area, beginning on Friday, April
NUEVO ESTILO: New Manzanas Luchadoras Style for 2025
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps will have a new style for their Hispanic Heritage games in 2025. Playing as the Manzanas Luchadoras (“Fighting Apples” in Spanish), the new season brings a new style with fresh colors, a crisp newly designed jersey, and a vibrant new hat. As
NEW HOME JERSEY: Now on Sale
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – With Opening Day at Parkview Field less than a month away on Friday, April 4 (7:05 p.m.), the Fort Wayne TinCaps have unveiled a new home jersey for their 2025 season. The white jersey features a new block wordmark that’s dark green and outlined in bright
'CAPS CALENDAR: August 12-17
Presented by Groundworks Tuesday, August 12 (6:35pm) - Family Feast Night presented by US Foods: Enjoy concessions from the Value Menu ($5 or less) - TICKETS Wednesday, August 13 (6:35pm) - Paws & Claws presented by Law’s Country Kennel: Pets welcome with purchase of “Paw Pass,” and discounted White Claw
RECAP: TinCaps Pitch 6th Shutout of Season
Box Score FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Fort Wayne TinCaps completed their sixth shutout of the season on Thursday, taking down the Quad Cities River Bandits (Royals affiliate), 3-0. TinCaps starter Miguel Mendez threw a career-long seven innings, striking out six while not walking a single batter or giving up