DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #31-35

 

35:  Diego Velasquez 2B.  DOB:  10/1/2003.  B-S, T-R.  6' 1", 150 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.  

2025(AA):  .256/.362, 315, 2 HR, 19 SB, 12.4 BB%, 14.3 K%, 566 PA.  

$900 K signing bonus in Jan. 2021 as a SS.  Has shown consistently good contact skills throughout his pro career but power has not followed.  Gained some weight and has all but moved off SS to 2B.  Aside from the lack of HR's, numbers at AA are strong for the the environment.  High contact approach would seem to be what Buster has said he is looking for, but lack of power might be too much even for Buster's taste.

34.  Shane Rademacher RHP.  DOB:  1/30/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 215 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A+):  6-5, 2.60, 97 IP, 6.59 K/9, 1.39 BB/9.

2025(AA):  2-1, 7.28, 29.2 IP, 3.64 K/9, 4.85 BB/9. 

Pitching to contact with a lot of fly balls is generally not a recipe for success at higher levels.  Probably needs to find a strikeout pitch and/or something that will put more balls on the ground.

33.  Jack Choate LHP.  DOB:  4/18/2001.  6' 8", 249 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.  

2025(AA):  4-6, 3.51, 102.2 IP, 10.78 K/9, 4.47 BB/9.

Sidearming lefty with a soft fastball. Two best pitches per Fangraphs scouting report are slider and changeup.  That's an interesting mix with questions whether it works at higher levels.  Sidearming approach suggests more of reliever profile but lack of velocity likely to preclude Closer roles.

32.  Braxton Roxby RHP.  DOB:  3/12/1999.  6' 3", 215 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(A):  3-3, 1.20, 30 IP, 12.00 K/9, 2.70 BB/9, 3 Saves.

2025(AAA):  2-2, 5.91, 32 IP, 11.81 K/9, 5.06 BB/9.

Acquired from the Reds for Taylor Rogers.  Delivers a mid-90's FB from a sidearm angle with two breaking balls.  Kind of got stuck in AA.  Should move up to AAA for 2026 and if he finds success could be a bullpen option for the Giants later in the season.

31.  Will Bednar RHP.  DOB:  6/13/2000.  6' 2", 230 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA):  2-2, 4.97, 50.2 IP, 14.62 K/9, 6.75 BB/9, 1 Save.

2025(AAA):  0-1, 27.00, 1.2 IP, 0.00 K/9, 5.40 BB/9.  

Former first round draft pick whose career was derailed by a series of debilitating injuries.  Jumped back into the top 50 based on a report that he is healthy and touching triple digits with the fastball.  Is that sustainable?

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #36-40

I rearranged the order here as I think the pitchers have a better shot at eventually making the major leagues than the 3 hitters.  I also debated the order for the hitters then said the heck with it, why am I stressing for the #36-40 prospects in the system?  

40.  Scott Bandura OF.  DOB:  8/2/2001.  B-L, T-R, 6' 4", 190 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A+):  .307/.399/.439, 7 HR, 30 SB, 11.8 BB%, 24.1 K%, 380 PA. 

2025(AA):  .199/.303/.323, 3 HR, 11 SB, 12.4 BB%, 30.6 K%, 186 PA.

Feel good story of the kid from Philadelphia whose dad encouraged Mone' Davis to play baseball.  Scott then played catcher on their little league team.  Scott went on to play baseball for Princeton.  Solid season for A+ Eugene.  Stumbled a bit after promotion to AA. Hopefully that experience got his feet wet and gives him a head start on 2026.  But as we all know, the Eastern League is tough on hitters.

39.  Victor Bericoto OF/1B. DOB:  12/3/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 155 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now, Minor League Free Agent Eligible.  

2025(AA):  .267/.351/.433, 12 HR, 10.9 BB%, 23.4 K%, 393 PA.

2025(AAA):  .196/.196/.283, HR, 0.0 BB%, 19.6 K%, 46 PA.  

Turns out Bericoto was not a lock to even be in the Giants organization by the time his profile came up.  He was a minor league free agent who re-signed just about a week ago.  Does he have an invitation to spring training?  Does he have an outside chance of making the team as RH bat off the bench?  I would expect him to start the season in AAA and serve as organizational depth.

38.  Adrian Sugastey C.  DOB:  10/23/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA):  .231/.284/.343, 8 HR, 4 SB, 6.8 BB%, 11.0 K%, 355 PA.

Sugastey is a defense-first catcher who was named by Baseball America as the best defensive catcher in the Giants farm system.  The bat still needs work but he improved his numbers from 2024 and as we all know, Richmond and the EL is a very challenging environment for batters.  

37.  Josh Bostick RHP.  DOB:  10/20/2001.  6' 4", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A+):  9-6, 3.71, 119 IP, 10.51 K/9, 2.95 BB/9.

Giants 8'th round draft pick in 2023.  I didn't realize how solid Bostick's numbers were last season until I looked them up for this post.  He seems to have addressed his inconsistent command issues.  I have always loved his physicality and stuff. He finished the season really strong He should move up to AA in 2026.  To my eye, Bostick looks like a potential future MLB SP who can pitch a lot of innings.

36.  Greg Farone LHP.  DOB:  5/3/2002.  6' 6", 240 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.  

2025(A):  2-1, 3.73, 50.2 IP, 12.97 K/9, 4.09 K/9.

2025(A+):  4-2, 4.25, 55.0 IP, 7.85 K/9, 2.78 BB/9.

Giants 7'th round draft pick in 2024.  Big lefty with a solid 3-pitch mix.  Fading changeup is probably best pitch.  Finished the season strong.  After a disaster start on July 10, he logged a 2.74 ERA over his last 8 starts. Should be ready for AA.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #41-45

 

45.  Jakob Christian OF.  DOB:  9/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .272/355/460, 10 HR, 12 SB, 10.1 BB%, 28.3 K%, 318 PA.

2025(A+):  .304/.380/.570, 4 HR, 3 SB, 8.7 BB%, 34.8 K%, 92 PA.  

Physical tools reminiscent of Pat Burrell.  Plus-plus raw power.  Challenges controlling the strike zone and struggles with breaking stuff.  Can tap into his power through improved pitch recognition and selection.  Probably limited defensively to LF or 1B.l

44.  Charlie Szykowny 3B/1B.  DOB:  6/30/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6' 4", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A+):  .276/.339/.478, 21 HR, 5 SB, 5.3 BB%, 18.6 K%, 549 PA.

Physically large corner IF with solid contact skills who delivered a power breakout in 2025.  Defensively limited to corner IF which is blocked at the MLB level for the Giants for at least the next 5 years.

43.  Jean Carlos Sio IF.  DOB:  4/3/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 167 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .311/.398/.422, 5 HR, 15 SB, 11.9 BB%, 11.9 K%, 385 PA.

2025(A+):  .279/.385/.423, 3 HR, 3 SB, 8.2 BB%, 18.0 K%, 122 PA.

One of my sleepers in the system who doesn't get much mention by other analysts.  Has filled out his frame and looks like he weighs more than the listed 167 lbs.  Solid contact and plate discipline with gap power and an occasional HR.  Can steal a base.  Can play both middle infield positions.  Nice that he has two more seasons of development before Rule 5 Eligible.  Could start the 2026 season as high as AA.  Breakout candidate.

42.  Charlie McDaniel LHP.  DOB:  7/4/2001.  6' 3", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  7-6, 2.59, 66 IP, 8.59 K/9, 2.18 BB/9.

2025(A+):  1-0, 5.77, 34.1 IP, 8.39 K/9, 2.36 BB/9.  

Good sized lefty signed as a UDFA out of the draft league.  Not much of a scouting report available but showed average K rates with excellent command.  Will probably start the 2026 season at A+ Eugene where he hopes for better results than the 5.77 ERA after a late-season promotion last season.

41.  Cesar Perdomo LHP.  DOB:  2/9/2002.  6' 0", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(A+):  8-6, 3.96, 127.1 IP, 8.34 K/9, 2.69 BB/9.  

Another command over stuff pitcher.  I'm not finding any scouting reports but from what i remember of seeing him pitch for San Jose in 2024, he has excellent command of a 3-pitch mix.  Could move up to AA to start 2026.

Hot Stove League Update: Giants Sign Catcher; Bregman to Cubs

 The Giants made a move yesterday that should raise some eybrows.  Eric Haase, will come to spring training on a minor league deal with an agreed upon salary of $1.6 M if he makes the Opening Day active roster.  He has an opt-out at the end of spring training.  Haase is a hit-first catcher whose best season was 2021 when he hit 22 HR's for the Tigers and seemed poised to become one of the better catchers in MLB.  Alas, his stats tailed off after that big season and he was outrighted to AAA by the Brewers in the middle of last season and elected free agency after the season ended.

Eric Haase C.  DOB:  12/18/1992.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 204 lbs.  Arbitration Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2028.

2025(MLB):  .229/.289/.357, 2 HR, 5.2 BB%, 40.3 K%, 77 PA. 

2025(AAA):  .203/.312/.313, HR, 14.3 K%, 26.0 K%, 77 PA.

The 2 HR's project to 15 over 600 PA's.  As you can see, power is his only game as he doesn't walk much and strikes out at a frightful rate, although his AAA ratios were much better.  Although Fangraphs has him rated as replacement level on defense, he is generally rated as a defensive liability.   

The reason why this move should raise eyebrows is the Giants now have two catchers coming to camp who they will lose if they don't make the team: Daniel Susac and Haase.  I get that it adds depth and options but as a fan I was just getting excited about the possibility of Susac's long term upside and now the odds of him even being in the organization on Opening Day just went dramatically down.  In my memory, the majority of these hybrid minor league deals with MLB deals contingent on making the team generally result in the player making the team.  Will Tony Vitello opt for veteran savvy or long term ceiling?  

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Just a brief note about the Alex Bregman signing.  The deal is for 5 yr/$175 M with no opt outs.  The deal us a year or two shorter than what Bregman was hoping for but at a higher than predicted AAV.  Where this move potentially impacts the Giants is it ups the pressure on the Cubs to trade Nico Hoerner who could be a nice upgrade for the Giants at 2B.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #46-50

50.  Lisbel Diaz OF.  DOB:  7/19/2005.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 221 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2027.

2025(A):  .269/.320/.405, 10 HR, 26 SB, 5.9 BB%, 18.7 K%, 561 PA.

Solid season for A San Jose although not the breakout I hoped for after a strong age 18 season in 2024.  Seems to be already limited to LF defensively so will have to hit a ton at higher levels.  Should move up to A+ ball in 2026.

49.  Zander Darby 3B.  DOB:  11/26/2002.  B-L, T- R.  6' 3", 197 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .291/.403/.459, 5 HR, 10 SB, 15.2 BB%, 18.4 K%, 244 PA.

2025(A+):  .123/.261/.228, HR, SB, 13.0 BB%, 42.0 K%, 69 PA.

12'th round draft pick in 2024.  Lefty hitter with some size.  Drafted as a SS but already moved off the position to 3B/2B.  Hit well for A San Jose but struggled in small sample after promotion to A+ where he should start the 2026 season.

48.  Zane Zielinski SS.  DOB:  7/28/2001.  B-R, T- R.  6' 3", 175 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A+).  .240/.338/.303, 4 HR, 32 SB, 10.1 BB%, 25.5 K%, 483 PA.

Aggressive placement for the Giants 9'th round draft pick from 2024.  Tall, thin, athletic shorstop with some speed.  May struggle at the plate or he may grow into his frame and add power.

47.  Damian Bravo OF.  DOB:  9/8/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(College):  .330/.384/.580, 13 HR, 18 SB, 6.4 BB%, 18.8 K%, 250 PA.

2025(A+):  .276/.337/.322, SB, 5.1 BB%, 18.4 K%, 98 PA.

15'th round draft pick and the only 2025 pick to be assigned above A ball.  I expect him to start there again in 2026 after getting his feet wet.  Aggressive hitter produces good BA's but limits OBP and power.  Defensively has speed to play all 3 OF positions but strong arm, 93 MPH off a mound, makes him well suited for RF.  I am really excited to see how Bravo and all the 2025 draftees do in 2026.

46.  Jonah Cox OF.  DOB:  8/4/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A+):  .267/.333/.398, 10 HR, 58 SB, 9.0 BB%, 22.4 K%, 597 PA.  

Acquired in Feb 2024 traded with A's for Ross Stripling.  Speedy OF who can play CF.  Elite speed which Fangraphs rates as a 70 grade.  Promoted to A+ in late 2024 which gave him a bit of a head start on 2025.  Dramatically improved his K rate at the cost of a reduced walk rate.  His overall A+ line improved on his 2024 performance at the same level.  Should be ready to challenge the AA Eastern League in 2026.  

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?