DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(AAA)

 

John Michael Bertrand LHP.  DOB:  2/8/1998.  6' 3", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA):  6-10, 2.87, 131.2 IP, 6.22 K/9, 3.49 BB/9, 1.79 GB/FB.

2025(AAA):  2-0, 2.25, 12 IP, 7.50 K/9, 0.75 BB/9, 7.67 GB/FB.

Crafty lefty drafted out of graduate school at Notre Dame.  Fangraphs says he has a 6-pitch mix with a FB that barely gets to 90 MPH.  His stat lines and scouting report remind me of another crafty lefty, Ty Blach.  He should be ready for the challenge of AAA.  If his playing career stalls out, he may have a future career in management as he has two graduate degrees in Science and Management and an MBA.

Seth Lonsway LHP.  DOB:  10/7/1998.  6' 2", 210 lbs.  Rule Eligible Now

2025(AA):  3-8, 3.52, 92 IP, 8.22 K/9, 4.11 BB/9, 2.15 GB/FB.

2025(AAA):  2-4, 4.29, 42 IP, 8.14 K/9, 5.36 BB/9, 1.94 GB/FB.

Lonsway has always had pretty good stuff but severe command inconsistencies. When he is on, he holds teams scoreless with plenty of K's but when he's off it gets real ugly.  Fangraphs shows a 6-pitch mix with a low 90's fastball.

Nick Zwack LHP.  DOB:  8/1/1998.  6' 3", 230 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(ACL):  0-0, 0.00, 12.1 IP, 11.68 K/9, 0.73 BB/9.  

2025(A+):  0-1, 6.89, 15.2 IP, 6.89 K/9, 2.87 BB/9.

2025(AA):  0-3, 2.53, 32 IP, 9.00 K/9, 2.53 BB/9.

2025(AAA):  0-2, 9.00, 14 IP, 5.14 K/9, 7.07 BB/9.

2025 was a rehab year after missing all of 2024, presumably from TJ surgery.  Should start the season in AAA as either a starter or reliever and he needs to find some traction.  Fangraphs values his slider as a future 60.  Acquired in the Darin Ruf trade.

Juan Sanchez LHP.  DOB:  11/12/2000.  5' 9", 165 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2024(AAA):  4-0, 3.93, 34.1 IP, 9.17 K/9, 7.34 BB/9, 1.26 GB/FB.

Missed all of 2025, presumably with TJ surgery.  Prior to that had a low-mid 90's FB with a 60-grade changeup.

Thomas Gavello C.  DOB:  6/6/2001.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.  

2025(A+):  .204/.295/.370, 2 HR, 3 SB, 4.8 BB%, 32.3 K%, 62 PA.  

2025(AA):  .261/.320/.432, 3 HR, 3 SB, 6.1 BB%, 29.3 K%, 99 PA.

2025(AAA):  .262/.347/.488, 9 HR, 9.1 BB%, 32.5 K%, 197 PA.

Not sure why Gavello would bat near the Mendoza line for several seasons at lower levels then suddenly put it together in Richmond which is a notoriously unfriendly hitting environment.  K rates are still so high it does not feel sustainable.

Reggie Crawford LHP/1B.  DOB:  12/4/2000.  6' 4", 235 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2024(AA):  1-1, 4.66, 9.2 IP, 17.69 K/9, 4.66 BB/9.

2024(AAA):  0-0, 1.04, 8.2 IP, 11.42 K.9, 7.27 BB/9.  

If this were about talent alone, Crawford would probably be a top 10 prospect but injuries impact development and are one of the top reasons why good prospects don't make it.  He underwent reconstructive shoulder surgery last offseason then had to go back and get more work done.  Pitchers often do not come back from that type of injury/surgery.

Turner Hill OF.  DOB:  4/4/1999.  B-L, T-L.  5' 10", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2026.

2025(ACL):  .412/.500/.647, 2 SB, 18.2 BB%, 9.1 K%, 22 PA.

2025(AA):  .256/.356/.357, 2 HR, 18 SB, 11.5 BB%, 10.2 K%, 314 PA.

2025(AAA):  .333/.333/.667, 3 PA.

Finding Hill's name on the AAA roster is probably a fluke.  Would expect him to start 2026 in AA.  Another smallish speedy OF in the Wade Meckler/Drew Gilbert mold.  Has a lot of competition for that profile in the Giants organization.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(AA)

Marques Johnson RHP.  DOB:  7/4/2000.  6' 2", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(A+):  1-1, 2.08, 26 IP, 11.42 K/9, 4.85 BB/9, 2.85 GB/FB.

2025(AA):  1-2, 2.90, 31 IP, 13.06 K/9, 4.65 BB/9, 1.16 GB/FB.

Acquired in 2023 from the White Sox for Mauricio Llovera.  Strong athletic frame.  Solid fastball which ranges from 93-98 MPH.  Fangraphs lists slider as a 60.  Strong numbers at two levels last season.  May need to tighten up the walk rates but could play as-is as a reliever which appears to be his MLB destiny.  Will we see him pitching in Oracle Park sometime in 2026?

Trystan Vrieling RHP.  DOB:  10/2/2000.  6' 4", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA- Yankees):  1-2, 4.50, 46 IP, 8.22 K/9, 3.52 BB/9.

2025(AA-Giants):  1-1, 5.14, 28 IP, 9.32 K/9, 3.21 BB/9.

Acquired from the Yankees in the Camilo Doval trade.  ERA's combined with pedestrian K rates and flyball tendency not particularly inspiring from a projection standpoint.

Nick Sinacola RHP.  DOB:  10/29/1999.  6' 2", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA):  4-2, 3.30, 57.1 IP, 7.38 K/9, 4.24 BB/9.

Uninspiring numbers before season ended with a series of IL stints after last start on 7/12.  

Aeverson Arteaga SS.  DOB:  3/16/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA):  .189/.239/.269, 6 HR, 5 SB, 6.1 BB%, 26.2 K/9.

Can maybe give him a mulligan in his first season back from an extended injury but those are ugly numbers.  Will need to improve on those by a lot to stay viable as a prospect.

Nate Furman 2B. DOB:  7/23/2001.  B-L, T-R.  5' 8", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(A+):  .364/.490/.649, 6 HR, 3 SB, 15.6 BB%, 7.3 K%, 96 PA.

2025(AA):  .369/.493/.607, 15.4 BB%, 20.5 K%, 39 PA.  

Older prospect, small stature.  Calling card is elite bat control and strike zone management.  Is there a path to the majors for him with the Giants?

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(A+)

 

Dylan Carmouche LHP.  DOB:  8/22/2001.  6' 6", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2026.

2025(A+):  7-0, 69.2 IP, 8.14 K/9, 2.58 BB/9, 1.78 GB/FB.

16'th round draft pick in 2023.  Tall pitcher with overhand release  of a mix of 3 pitches.  Per Prospects Live, changeup is best pitch with excellent fading action which works well of his 12-6 curveball.  Fastball was reported to be high 80's out of HS but may have more ooomph now.  Command of 3 pitches seems to be his secret to success though.  On video he has a drop and drive very high 3/4 delivery which looks a lot like Clayton Kershaw, probably without Kershaw's velocity.  Should move up to AA this season.

Darien Smith RHP.  DOB:  11/30/1999.  6' 3", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec.  2027.

2025(A):  6-0, 2.59, 46.1 IP, 8.16 K/9, 1.85 BB/9, 1.79 GB/FB.

2025(A+):  2-0, 2.59, 24.1 IP, 8.66 K/9, 1.85 BB/9, 1.18 GB/FB.  

Undrafted free agent from 2024.  Used mostly in relief.  Based on a video which showed 3 K pitches, he has a 94 MPH running FB with a fading changeup which appears to tunnel well coming out of his hand.  He's an older prospect who will have to move quickly but should be able to move up to AA in 2026 and could have a path to the majors as a reliever.

Tyler Switalski LHP:  DOB:  6/18/2003.  6' 4", 235 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  6-2, 4.89,73.2 IP, 7.94 K/9, 4.03 BB/9.

2025(A+):  2-0, 1.17, 23 IP, 6.65 K/9, 2.74 BB/9.

16'th round draft pick in 2024.  Had some success with improved command after promotion to A+.  Low K/low GB profile tends to not project well.

Quinn McDaniel 2B.  DOB:  9/27/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2024(A+):  .236/.345.390, 13 HR, 40 SB, 13.1 BB%, 32.5 K%, 511 PA.

2025(A+):  .227/.333/.355, 9 HR, 14 SB, 12.1 BB%, 28.7 K%, 428 PA.

Appears to have some tools but limited access to them by high K rates.  K rate slightly improved but everything else got a little worse and the SB' cratered.  Failure to improve when repeating a level is generally not a good prognostic sign.

Maui Ahuna SS.   DOB:  3/11/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 1", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(ACL):  .239/.321/.522, 2 HR, 2 SB, 9.3 BB%, 33.3 K%, 54 PA.

2025(A):  .266/.375/.427, 3 HR, 9 SB, 11.3 BB%, 25.0 K%, 168 PA.

2025(A+):  .311/.404/.467, 0 HR, SB, 13.5 BB%, 26.9 K%, 52 PA.

Looks like he's trying to be a 3-true outcomes hitter without the power.  Reputed to be a defense-first SS but is the D good enough to overcome the obvious limitations in the bat?  2026 shapes up to be a critical season for him.

Sup Dawgs?!: Outfield Logjam Thins; Players At The Crossroads

Ask and ye shall receive!  This is not strictly a Hot Stove League Update so a good time to try out a new topic series and by popular demand to boot.  As you recall, it wasn't that long ago the Giants had 10 outfielders on their 40-man roster including 4 or 5 who were out of options.  After DFA's of Joey Wiemer who as acquired by trade for cash considerations from the Marlins and Justin Dean who was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers, the count now stands at 6 outfielders.  If the Giants do not add any more outfielders before spring training, those 6 players will compete for up to 5 outfield active roster spots.  I don't think Turner Hill OF, on the Sacramento roster, is a serious candidate but Victor Bericoto OF/1B and Bo Davidson OF from the AA Richmond roster could be long shots to open the season with the Giants.  Since Grant McCray OF has options the logjam can be completely cleared by sending him down.  I do find it interesting that for all the talk about outfield defense, Jerar Encarnacion OF and Luis Matos OF were apparently ahead of Wiemer and Dean on the outfield depth chart.

Which brings us to three players who appear to be at career crossroads with the direction they take not completely under their control:  Luis Matos OF, Casey Schmitt 2B/3B and Bryce Eldridge 1B/DH.  We'll start with Eldridge who I meditated on extensively over the last few days.  I think I have come to a conclusion on him which is the Giants absolutely must find out what they have in him rather than trading him for shorter term talent no matter how good that talent might be.  The kid just has such a fantastically high ceiling they can't give up on him so easily, so soon and risk seeing him hit 40 HR's per season for another team for the next 10 years.  Eldridge does have options so the Giants can send him down for some additional seasoning but are there really interim options available who are locks to be better than Eldridge?  He really doesn't project to be all that bad.  Four projection systems listed on his Fangraphs bio page have him 14-18 HR with BA's of .232-246 and K rates under 30%.  Sure, there is a good chance he doesn't reach his projection numbers but there is also a chance he surpasses them and hits more like 25-30 HR's.  Put him in the lineup every day batting in the 7'th or 8'th hole for at least 2 months before re-evaluating him.  Oh!  And definitely do not trade him!

Casey Schmitt is another crossroads player.  There is a lot of talk about the Giants acquiring any number of second basemen by trade which would block Casey from the last potential infield position he could play.  Schmitt has had his growing pains but has gone from wildly swinging at everything to at least acceptable plate discipline and the power is real.  Again, preseason projections on Casey are not terrible ranging from 10-14 HR with .235-.241 BA and K rates below 25%.  Again yes, those numbers represent a mean range of possible outcomes and he may not make them but he also may surpass them if his plate discipline and maturity as a hitter continue to progress.  The Giants could do worse than putting Casey out there on Opening Day and putting their trust in him to continue his development.

The last "crossroads" player is Luis Matos.  Now, the thinning of the outfield logjam may foreshadow another acquisition but as of right now, Matos appears to be a lock to make the Opening Day active roster.  The projections are not quite as optimistic on him as Eldridge and Schmitt.  They range from 10-12 HR and .245-.252 BA, but his K rate projects as under 15% which may be something Buster Posey is looking at with interest.  It's possible that at best, Matos is looking at a short-side platoon with Drew Gilbert or competition from Jerar Encarnacion or the Giants may just go out and acquire a more proven player for RF but Matos prospects appear much brighter today than they did a couple of weeks ago.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(A)

 

Hunter Dryden RHP.  DOB:  6/10/2002.  5', 11", 168 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  5-3, 2.90, 93 IP, 9.97 K/9, 3.97 BB/9.  

17'th round draft pick in 2024.  Pitched 4 hitless innings with 7 K's in his first pro game 4/9/2025 and struck out 10 batters in 4 IP in his final game of the season in the Cal League playoffs.  Relies heavily on a mid-90's FB that he throws up in the zone as a strikeout pitch.  Also has a developing slider and changeup for a potential 3 pitch SP mix.  I find myself a little frustrated he did not get a midseason promotion to A+ because A is a very conservative placement for college draftees and I feel like he proved he could more than handle it by midseason.

Ricardo Estrada LHP.  DOB:  6/25/2002.  6', 0", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(ACL):  2-1, 1.53, 35.1 IP, 11.21 K/9, 1.78 BB/9, 1.46 GB/FB.

2025(A):  3-1, 2.10, 37.2 IP, 7.17 K/9, 4.78 BB/9, 1.72 GB/FB.

2025(AFL):  0-0, 3.27, 11 IP, 9.0 K/9, 5.7 BB/9.  

Lefty who took too long to graduate from the DSL so is already Rule 5 eligible despite 2025 being his first pro experience above rookie league.  No scouting report.  Decent K rate with an above average groundball tendency allows him pitch above his peripherals.   Can he do that again at higher levels?

Drake George RHP.  DOB:  9/30/2001.  6', 1", 184 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  2-1, 3.20, 56.1 IP, 9.91 K/9, 2.40 BB/9, 1.45 GB/FB.

Strong first half but season ended early due to unknown injury.

13'th round draft pick in 2024.

Cole Hillier RHP.  DOB:  12/7/2000.  6' 2", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2026.

2025(A):  4-5, 2.78, 58.1 IP, 9.87 K/9, 5.09 BB/9.

2025(AA):  2-0, 0.00, 10 IP, 5/40 K/9, 2.70 BB/9.

I saw him pitch in 2025.  Massive lower half.  Firm fastball with sharp slider.  May have a real shot at a career as a bullpen arm.

Gerelmi Maldonado RHP.  DOB:  12/21/2003.  6' 2", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now

2025(A):  0-4, 3.97, 59 IP, 10.53 K/9, 6.71 BB/9, 2.07 GB/FB.

Plagued by wildness after missing 2024 for Tommy John surgery.  If he can cut down on the wildness he could move fast, particularly if he moves to the bullpen.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(A)

 

Niko Mazza RHP.  DOB:  2/19/2002.  5', 11", 194 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  4-3, 2.22, 93.1 IP, 8.68 K/9, 5.01 BB/9, 1.65 GB/FB.

Drafted in the 8'th round of the 2024 draft but did not make his pro debut until 2025.  Shiny ERA in a pretty good sample size but the ratios indicate that may be a fluke.  Fangraphs rates his FB and slider as 55's with 60 future value.  Also A is a very conservative placement for a college draftee in their first full season.  IMO, his points up a huge problem with holding the draft so late in the season.  Many players don't see action in their draft season yet it gets counted toward service time for Rule 5 Draft eligibility effectively giving a lot of college draftees just 3 minor league seasons prove their worth for 40-man roster promotion.  Something needs to change but I doubt it's a high priority for either side in the upcoming negotiations for the next Basic Agreement.  

Melvin Pineda RHP.  DOB:  5/4/2004.  5' 11", 170 lbs.   Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026?

2025(ACL):  3-0, 1.93, 14 IP, 16.07 K/9, 3.86 BB/9.

2025(A):  0-2, 10.80, 11.2 IP, 10.03 K/9, 10.80 BB/9.

Pineda missed all of 2024 and got a late start on 2025.  That is a pattern consistent with Tommy John surgery sometime in 2024.  Hard to make much out of such a limited sample size across two levels in 2025.   2026 probably needs to be a breakout season for him.

Cade Vernon RHP.  DOB:  1/17/2002.  6' 3", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2027.

2025(A):  4-1, 1.60, 56.1 IP, 6.87 K/9, 2.40 BB/9, 2.58 GB/FB, 7 Saves.

Another 2024 draft pick(10'th round) who did not see pro action until 2025.  No scouting report but terrific size and looks like loose arm action in a video from 2025.  Makes up for pedestrian K rate with dominant groundball rate.  Used exclusively in relief including closing duties.  But was able to work multiple innings per appearance.  

Jose Astudillo OF.  DOB:  2/27/2004.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 150 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible now.

2025(DSL):  .413/..491/.522, HR, 2 SB, 7.5 BB%, 9.4 K%, 53 PA.

2025(ACL):  .393/.449/.492, 3 SB, 8.7 BB%, 5.8 K%, 69 PA.

2025(A):  .314/.359/.400, 5 SB, 6.4 BB%, 12.8%, 78 PA.

It's rare for a DSL prospect to get promoted in midseason and Astudillo was stuck there since 2021.  I have a mental picture of Buster Posey scrolling through minor league stat lines on his cellphone, sick of watching another 15 strikeout game by the Giants lineup.  He suddenly straightens up, hits the speed dial button to Randy Winn:

Winn:  Sup Boss?

Buster:  Who's this Jose Astudillo down in the DSL?

Winn:  Dunno boss, but I'll make some calls to the staff down there and give you a report.

Buster:  I don't need no ****in' staff reports!  Look at his K rate. I want him in Arizona by tomorrow night!

Winn:  I see what you mean, boss.  Done!  

2026 may be Jose Astudillo's last, best chance to put himself on the Giants prospect map but he has a heckuva opportunity if he continues to make contact like he did across 3 levels in 2025.

Walker Martin 3B.  DOB:  2/20/2004.  B-L T-R.  6', 2", 188 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .234/.353/.384, 12 HR, 13 SB, 14.3 BB%, 28.4 K%, 482 PA.

I may be a little harsh on Martin who was always going to be a project after the Giants drafted him out of Colorado in the 2'nd round in 2023.  He did improves his. K rate significantly but it was still high. The problem I have with Martin's season is half of his home runs came in 7 game stretch in May and he only hit two after June 19.  He did improve his BA somewhat in the second half so maybe he was specifically working on making more contact and cutting down on his K's which he had some success with?  He has 2 more seasons before he reaches the dreaded Rule 5 Draft eligibility so if he can build on the improvements from last season he could well jump back into the Top 50 next season.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(A)

Lorenzo Meola SS.  DOB:  12/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5', 11", 172 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028. 

2025(College- Stetson):  .329/.406/.536, 11 HR, 10 SB, 11.3 BB%, 18.0 K%, 256 PA.  

2025(A):  .273/.314/.470, 3 HR 3 SB, 5.7 BB%, 24.3 K%, 70 PA.  

Giants 11'th round draft pick in 2025.  MLB Pipeline says he's a true shortstop with plus range and a strong arm.  Hit fairly well while flashing some power in limited action at the end of the season.  Giants may have some sorting out to do between Maui Ahuna, Jhonny Level and Meola at the A San Jose and A+ Eugene levels.

Dario Reynoso 3B. DOB:  3/22/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(ACL):  .298/.442/.556, 10 HR, 18 SB, 17.6 BB%, 31.7 K%, 227 PA.

2025(A):  .128/.281/.191, 2 SB, 17.5 BB%, 38.6 K%, 57 PA.

Not much of a scouting report.  Going by his stat lines it looks like he has an interesting power/speed combination with extraordinary walk rates which may contribute to his >30% K rates.  Profile tends to not play at higher levels so needs to get that K rated down somehow, probably at the cost of a lower walk rate.

Cam Maldonado OF.  DOB:  11/8/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(College-Northeastern):  .351/.467/.631, 15 HR, 29 SB, 15.4 BB%, 18.8 K%, 272 PA.

2025(A):  .237/.352/.339, 5 SB, 15.5 BB%, 25.4 K%, 71 PA.  

Giants 7'th round draft pick in 2025.  Scouting report says power and speed combination with speed being the standout tool and enough to pay CF.  Some swing and miss concerns at the plate.  Got off to a slow start in his pro debut with A San Jose but hit well in September and in the Cal League postseason.  Played RF in deference to 3'rd round draft pick, Trevor Cohen who is also a CF.  

Jose Ortiz OF.  DOB:  2/13/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 165 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .308/.438/.365, 2 SB, 10.6 BB%, 18.2 K%, 66 PA.  

13'th round draft pick in 2023.  Got off to a blazing start to the 2025 season batting .344/.475/.406 when he went down with what looked like a very bad looking hammy in a game I attended in Rancho Cucamonga.  He played 5 games in the ACL in May and then 8 games in the ACL and A San Jose in July before going back on the IL for the rest of the season.  So, despite promising minor league numbers he's only had 240 career professional PA's over 3 seasons.  His biggest challenge for 2026, obviously, is to prove he can stay healthy.

Jeremiah Jenkins 1B.  DOB:  5/5/2003.  B-L, T-L.  6' 4", 238 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2027.

2025(ACL):  .370/.470/.685, 3 HR, 15.2 BB%, 13.6 K%, 66 PA.

2025(A):  .230/.332/.364, 4 HR, 11.1 BB%, 17.5 K%, 217 PA.  

Giants 14'th round draft pick in 2024.  Big lefty first baseman shows a nice combination of plate discipline and contact with some power.  Got a late start on his 2025 season appearing in his first game on 5/15.  It's a tough demographic to succeed in.  Probably needs to show something at A+ level in 2026 to remain a viable prospect.