Locals In MiLB: Former Ute Debuts On Padres Top-30 Prospects List
Mar 7, 2025, 2:01 PM
Utah senior centerfielder Kai Roberts slides home at Smith's Ballpark during the 2024 season. (Credit to Sophia Kuder, University of Utah Athletics)
(Credit to Sophia Kuder, University of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah centerfielder Kai Roberts is skyrocketing up MLB prospect lists after being selected by San Diego in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB player draft.
Roberts debuted at No. 24 on the Padres MLB.com Top-30 prospects list.
Kai Roberts (36) CF Padres 2024 7th rnd @kairoberts00@utahbaseball #mlbdraft2024 #mlbdraft24 #mlbdraft@padres#padres #friarfaithful #BringTheGold #sandiegopadres #sdpadres #letsgopadres #MiLBPadres #lospadres@Friarsonthefarm @EVT_News@Padres_Farm @PadresProspects pic.twitter.com/JGW1kqMTOi
— Phrake Photography (@phrakephoto) September 30, 2024
The 24-year-old speedster was immediately assigned to Single-A Lake Elsinore after signing for $10,000.
Roberts slashed .340/.414/.470 in 24 pro games, showing off his blazing speed with 14 stolen bases. He drove in 17 runs and finished the year with nine extra-base hits.
At 6’5″, Roberts continues adjusting to pro pitchers with his long levers. The lefty has struggled with off-speed offerings and needs to improve to keep advancing.
RELATED STORIES
Kai Roberts | Outfielder | Utah Utes
Single-A Lake Elsinore Storm – San Diego Padres
After playing his prep baseball at nearby Skyridge High School, Roberts joined the Utes before the 2021 season. Roberts hit .370 across four seasons with the Falcons, earning first-team all-state recognition while playing for his father, Ryan Roberts.
Roberts’ first year at the U was a testament to his versatility. He started 25 games at third base while appearing in the outfield and as the designated hitter. His performance matched his adaptability, hitting .291 with 15 doubles, two triples, two homers, and 26 RBI.
Padres Prospect & 24’ 7th round pick Kai Roberts went 3 for 4 w/ a 2B & SB for @Storm_Baseball
In 19 MiLB games, Roberts has posted a:
🔴 147 wRC+
🔴.431 wOBA
🔴 13 stolen bases pic.twitter.com/b8GP9Xwp5X— Clark Fahrenthold (@CFahrenthold11) August 31, 2024
In his sophomore campaign, Roberts shifted away from third base to start 50 games in the outfield. He finished the year with the Utes’ second-best on-base percentage, reaching a .410 clip. The left-handed hitter tallied 14 doubles, four home runs, and 35 RBI while scoring a team-high 43 runs.
Roberts was limited to 46 games (44 starts) in 2023. He ended the year with a .266 batting average, and his 11 doubles, 34 walks, and 11 stolen bases were the second most team-wide. The 6’5 outfielder had 15 multi-hit games on the year and finished the season on a nine-game hitting streak.
Heading into his senior season, Roberts was rated by D1Baseball.com as the No. 26 Pac-12 prospect ahead of the 2024 MLB Draft. He lived up to that ranking, slashing .356/.430/.562 with seven home runs and a Pac-12-leading 33 steals.
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Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X and Instagram and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
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