Jackson Merrill began 2023 in High-A ball. Graham Pauley was a rung lower, in Single-A. Both lined up with the big league Padres for introductions on Opening Day.

The Padres sent a clear signal that no prospect is all that far from the big leagues if they perform.

“Our farm system, as a whole, is an elite farm system,” Pauley said. “From top to bottom, we’ve got a ton of good guys. Some are really close to being ready; some might need a few more years.”

With the Triple-A season underway and the Padres’ other three levels set to start Friday, here’s a look at the Padres’ system:

Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas
Player to watch: Tirso Ornelas, OF
The 24-year-old Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, native signed with the Padres in 2017 and has increased his power and exit velocity in recent years while cutting down on strikeouts. No Triple-A position players are ranked by MLB Pipeline among the organization’s Top 30 prospects, but Ornelas was No. 29 in 2023.

Pitcher to watch: No. 20 Alek Jacob, RHP
The 25-year-old retired nine of the 10 batters he faced over three MLB appearances last year before being sidelined by elbow trouble. Healthy again, he can baffle hitters with his sidearm delivery that’s particularly tough on righties despite velocity in the mid-80s.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster: No. 12 Randy Vásquez, RHP; No. 19 Jackson Wolf, LHP

Double-A San Antonio Missions
Opening Day: Friday, 7:05 p.m. CT, at Amarillo
Player to watch: No. 9 Jakob Marsee, OF
The 22-year-old is an OBP machine (.416 as a pro, .370 in the Cactus League this year). He was the Arizona Fall League MVP in 2023 and followed that up with a good spring, so it would be no surprise to see him at Petco Park this season.

Pitcher to watch: No. 3 Robby Snelling, LHP
The 20-year-old excelled in his first pro season (1.82 ERA, 118 strikeouts in 103 2/3 innings across three levels). He touches 96 with his fastball and has a plus-curve, so further refinement of secondary pitches could have him making big league starts in due time.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster: No. 7 Adam Mazur, RHP; No. 10 Ryan Bergert, RHP; No. 13 Nathan Martorella, 1B; No. 14 Austin Krob, LHP; No. 15 Victor Lizarraga, RHP; No. 16 Brandon Valenzuela, C; No. 18 Marcos Castañon, 3B/2B; No. 23 Cole Paplham, RHP

High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps
Opening Day: Friday, 6:05 p.m. ET, at Great Lakes
Player to watch: No. 1 Ethan Salas, C
The Padres tapped the brakes a bit by starting Salas in High-A after he finished 2023 at Double-A. But he’s not yet 18, and he’s still on the fast track after impressing during big league camp.

Pitcher to watch: No. 4 Dylan Lesko, RHP
Lesko was drafted No. 15 overall in 2022 despite having Tommy John surgery three months earlier. He had a 33-inning pro debut in ’23 and struggled with control. This could be the year the 20-year-old showcases his exceptional changeup.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster: No. 11 Homer Bush Jr., OF; No. 24 Jagger Haynes, LHP; No. 30 Garrett Hawkins, RHP (injured list)

Single-A Lake Elsinore Storm
Opening Day: Friday, 6:45 p.m. PT, vs. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Player to watch: No. 6 Dillon Head, OF
The Padres’ first-round Draft pick last year, Head rates a max 80 on the scouting scale for his speed. No surprise, the 19-year-old is a strong gap-to-gap center fielder. He will work on offensive consistency as he returns to the Storm following 61 plate appearances for them last year.

Pitcher to watch: No. 22 Braden Nett, RHP
Signed as an undrafted free agent two years ago, the 21-year-old hinted he’s ready for higher competition by striking out 21 in 17 1/3 innings in the Arizona Fall League. He projects as a reliever, relying on a mid-90s fastball with run.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster: No. 25 Isaiah Lowe, RHP; No. 29 Rosman Verdugo, SS/2B