DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #13 Reggie Crawford

13.  Reggie Crawford LHP/1B.  DOB:  12/4/2000.  B-L, T-L.  6'4", 235 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A):  .250/.278/.563, HR, 

2023(A):  0-0, 4.09, 11 IP, 4 BB, 18 K.  

2023(A+):  0-0, 2.25, 8 IP, 6 BB, 14 K.

2023(AFL):  .138/.282/.276, 2 HR, 12 BB, 30 K, 71 PA. 

Reggie Crawford might be the highest variance Giants prospect in history.  The problem is in debating whether to develop him as a pitcher or hitter, the Giants seem to have opted for neither so far!  In two pro seasons Crawford has a grand total of 40 PA and 19 IP.  Oh, and with 58 PA's in the AFL, still less than 100 PA's if you count them.  

Crawford is obviously a tremendous athlete with a big, strong muscular frame which enables him to reach triple digits on his FB and hit light towers with batted balls.  But he's seems to be quite raw with both tools and needs reps on both sides of the ball to progress.  Maybe he's get that chance in 2024?  Will it be back in Eugene(A+) or in Richmond(AA)? 

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #14 Tyler Fitzgerald

14.  Tyler Fitzgerald IF/OF.  DOB:  9/15/1997.  B-R, T-R.  6'3", 205 lbs.  

2023(AA):  .324/.410/.588, 2 HR, 3 SB, 11.5 BB%, 28.2 K%, 78 PA.

2023(AAA):  .287/.358/.499, 20 HR, 29 SB, 9.7 BB%, 23.8 K%, 466 PA.

2023(MLB):  .219/.265/.469, 2 HR, 2 SB, 5.9 BB%, 29.4 K%, 34 PA.

Tyler Fitzgerald just might end up being the best position player out of the Giants troubled 2019 draft class.  He has always had a nice power/speed combination and had a 20/20 AA season in 2022 but batted just .219.  He obviously made the adjustment over the offseason and quickly earned a promotion to AAA where he put up another 20/20 and got a late callup to the majors.  He continued to show power and speed but again hit .219.  Can he make the adjustment again? He was able to able to expand his defensive skills to include CF where he impressed enough to FZ to suggest he might be the best defensive CF in the organization....at least before they signed Jung Hoo Lee.  Fitz will come to camp looking to snag a 26'th man utility role on Opening Day.  If not, he has 3 minor league options and can ride the Sacramento-SF shuttle.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #15 Wade Meckler

Wade Meckler OF.   DOB:  4/21/2000.  B-L, T-R.  5'10", 178 lbs.  2 Milb Options.

2023(A+):  .456/.494/.633, 2 HR, 2 SB, 6.9 BB%, 10.3 K%, 87 PA.

2023(AA):  .336/.431/.450, 2 HR, 4 SB, 14.4 BB%, 16.7 K%, 174 PA.

2023(AAA):  .354/.465/.500, 2 HR, 7 SB, 17.6 BB%, 19.6 K%, 102 PA.

2023(MLB):  .232/.328/.250, 9.4 BB%, 39.1 K%, 64 PA.

Wow!  What a season for Wade Meckler!   He absolutely rocketed through the top 3 levels of the farm system but as we have seen from several other similar career trajectories, didn't seem quite ready to face big league pitching.  It didn't help his optics that he appeared physically small, almost tiny compared to other players, especially pitchers.  So how do you comp someone like that to, say, Aeverson Arteaga or Grant McCray who I think have higher ceilings but are much farther away from the major leagues?  I ranked Meck a bit higher based on his proximity to a MLB career.  FWIW, projection systems have him performing much better in 2024, though still not great.  Will he get the chance?  

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #16 Erik Miller

16.  Erik Miller LHP.  DOB:  2/13/1998.  6'5", 240 lbs.  

2023(AA):  1-0, 0.87, 10.1 IP, 13.06 K/9, 3.48 BB/9, 1 Save.

2023(AAA):  2-1, 2.77, 53 IP,  12.63 K/9, 7.10 BB/9, GB/FB=1.26, 14 Saves.

Miller was acquired form the Phillies before last season for Yunior Marte RHP.  He's a big lefty out of Stanford who has a solid 3-pitch mix but questionable command.  He got great results on the Closer track last year despite his walk rate ballooning in Sacramento.  I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt and chalk that up to the squeezed automated K-zone that plagues other PCL pitchers.  He as added to the 40-man roster in December to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.  There is a great chance we will see him pitch in Oracle Park this year.  He has his full complement of minor league options.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #17 Carson Seymour

17.  Carson Seymour RHP.  DOB:  12/16/1998.  6'6", 260 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(AA):  5-3, 3.99, 112.2 IP, 9.11 K/9, 3.43 BB/9, GB/FB= 2.00, FIP= 3.45, xFIP= 3.63.

Seymour was part of the Giants haul for Darin Ruf and may end up as the longterm centerpiece of the trade.  He's got tremendous size that is well-proportioned on his frame.  Scouting reports say his FB sits 93-95 in starts but can get up to 95-97 in shorter stints.  BA says he has the potential for a 4-pitch mix.  In a video sequence I watched I say a tailing FB, a tight slider and a diving splitter.  I mean, that's a MLB starter's mix right there!

I think there is a good possibility we see him pitch in Oracle Park this season.  I could also see FZ flipping him in a trade to try to amplify the return on the Ruf trade.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #18 Landen Roupp

18.  Landen Roupp RHP.  DOB:  9/10/1998.  6'2", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023(AA):  0-0, 1.74, 31 IP, 12.19 K/9, 2.61 BB/9, GB/FB= 1.58.  

Landen Roupp is an unusual pitching prospect in that his top pitch is a curveball which Fangraphs grades as a 70 and which he throws approximately 50% of the time.  He also throws a slider which Fangraphs grades as a 50.  The FB is a low 90's sinker rated as a 45 but but comes out of the same release point as the curve and gets good run and downward action.  The big question for Roupp is can a pitcher who relies that heavily on a curveball, even the grade 70 one, succeed at higher levels or will more advanced hitters be able to recognize it out of his hand?  He was a unicorn, but Hey!  I remember when Bert Blyleven forged a HOF career with a similar pitch mix.  The other concern is he was shut down on July 4 with what BA reports was a back injury, but he was well enough to participate in the fall instructional league.  Note that Roupp averaged just 3 IP in 10 starts before his injury so the Giants may be developing him as a middle-inning guy.  I would like to see him get a chance as a classic SP and see if he can be the next Bert Blyleven.  

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #19 Aeverson Arteaga

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

2023(A+):  .235/.299/.410, 17 HR, 8 SB, 7.3 BB%, 24.2 K%, 546 PA.

Much like Grant McCray, Arteaga's first half numbers dragged down his overall line but he got stronger as the season progressed which for a young prospect is way better than the other way around.  Arteaga batted just .208 over the first 3 months of the season, but then hit .265 over the last 3 including a line of .278/.330/.556 in July and .273/.296/.436 in August.  He hit 9 of his 17 HR's in July and August.   He should get a promotion to AA for his age 21 season and finds himself in a similar situation as Luis Matos who struggled in A+ after a great season in SJ but then recovered after starting the next season in AA and made it all the way to the majors by the end of the season.  I'm still bullish on Arteaga see him as a potential Giants SS of the future.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #20 Grant McCray

20.  Grant McCray OF.   DOB:  12/7/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'2", 190 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

 2023(A+):  .255/.360/.417, 14 HR, 52 SB, 12.3 BB%, 29.3 K%, 584 PA.  

McCray is one of the more tooled up prospects in the organization.  His numbers from A+ Eugene may not look impressive but they are suppressed by a painfully slow start in April when he hit just .149.  The K rate is higher than ideal but may be a byproduct of his stellar walk rate.  He has modest power now but with a lot of upside and the speed is there.  Some of us held our breath on Rule 5 Draft day but he didn't get selected.  Should move up to the next test at AA.  I am really rooting for him to make it and become the dynamic 5-tool OF the Giants have had such a hard time developing. 

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #21 Diego Velasquez

21.  Diego Velasquez SS/2B.  DOB:  10/1/2003.  B-S, T-R.  6'1", 150 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A):  .298/.387/.434, 8 HR, 23 SB, 10.8 BB%,  15.9 K%, 517 PA.

I saw Velasquez play in person late last season.  I guarantee he does not weigh 150 lbs.  There are a lot of things I really like about Velasquez:  Switch-hitting middle infield prospect, young for level,  makes contact and hits for average while showing the patience to draw double-digit walk percentages, speed to steal over 20 bases, even a hint of power with room to grow into more.  2 more years of development before the Giants have to make a Rule 5 roster decision on him.  The move up from SJ to S-K has been tough on young prospects the last two years.  In fact that seems to be a bigger transition than A+ to AA now.  Here's hoping Diego bucks that trend.  

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #22 Vaun Brown

22.  Vaun Brown OF.  DOB:  6/13/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 215 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023(A):  .412/.500/529, 3 SB, 10.0 BB%, 25.0 K%, 20 PA.

2023(A+):  .300/.391/.550, HR, 2 SB, 8.7 BB%, 21.7 K%, 23 PA.

2023(AA):  .221/.284/.421, 8 HR, 15 SB, 6.3 BB%, 37.5 K%, 208 PA.

Drafted as a COVID Senior in 2021,  Brown hit 23 HR with 44 SB across two levels in 2022 and looked poised to rocket to the majors in 2023.  Unfortunately he underwent minor knee surgery over the offseason and missed the first month.  Rehab stints in A and A+ looked great but then he hit the dreaded AA Eastern League and struggled to make contact with borderline K rate ballooning to 37.5% although the power and speed were still there in flashes.  His season ended a month early with an undisclosed injury. 

2024 will be a pivotal season likely starting back in AA.  Hopefully he comes back at full health and better contact.  The power and speed seem to point to a potential 20/20 or even 20/40 MLB player if he can get to it.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #23 Victor Bericoto 1B/OF

 23.  Victor Bericoto 1B/OF.  DOB:  12/3/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 155 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(A):  .296/.353/.533, 16 HR, 9.4 BB%, 19.4 K%, 309 PA.

2023(A+):  .237/.292/.478, 11 HR, 6.9 BB%, 26.5 K%, 204 PA.  

I guarantee Bericoto is not 155 lbs now.  I have been a fan of his bat since DSL days back in 2019.  He continues to be one of the top Giants prospects for raw power as well as hit tool.  The challenge for him is will he hit well enough to play at the positions he's limited to which is 1B, LF and DH and will he develop fast enough to not be grabbed by another team as a rule 5 draft pick or minor league free agent?

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #26 - 24

26.   Onil Perez C.  DOB:  9/10/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 187 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(A):  .300/.364/.413, 2 HR, 21 SB, 8.1 BB%, 11.0 K%, 283 PA.

2023(A+):  .289/.333/.333, 2 SB, 6.3 BB%, 14.5 K%, 48 PA.

A .300 BA with 21 SB's for a 20 yo catcher in A ball will grab your attention if you are a prospect watcher.  I saw Onil play in person just before his promotion to A+ and he does not look fast enough to steal 21 bases by any stretch so I am not sure what to make of that number.  I am curious to see if he can maintain high contact rates at higher levels.  He probably needs to find some power but if he can hit .300 and catch, he might not have to.

25.  Adrian Sugastey C.  DOB:  10/23/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6, 1", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(A+):  .298/.333/423, 4 HR, 4.9 BB%, 14.0 K%, 264 PA.  

Similar profile to Onil Perez.  Key is if he continues to make contact at higher levels and possibly develop some power.

24.  Zach Morgan C.  DOB:  3/30/2000.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A):  .254/.376/.383, 4 HR, 7 SB, 16.7 BB%, 17.4 K%, 258 PA.

2023(A+):  .292/.326/.427, 2 HR, 5.3 BB%, 21.1 K%, 95 PA.

Maybe a tad more power than Perez or Sugastey but he's 2 years older.  Quite similar profile otherwise.  I would again point out the absurdity that at 2 years older and equal levels of play/development, Morgan still has 2 years before he hits Rule 5 eligibility while Perez and Sugastey were already there this offseason.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #27 Jack Choate

Jack Choate LHP.   DOB:  4/18/2001.  6' 6", 250 lbs.  

2023(A):  3-1, 2.30, 47 IP, 12.8 K/9, 3.6 BB/9.

2023(A+):  0-2, 2.14, 21 IP, 8.6 K/9, 2.1 BB/9.

2023(AFL):  0-1, 5.51, 16.2 IP, 11.6 K/9, 7.2 BB/9.

Big lefty who sidearms it(like almost exactly 90 degrees).  FB is in the high 80's but plays up due to the arm angle with some upward hop to it.  Secondary pitches are a changeup and slider which he manages to get downward movement on despite the low arm angle.  Had excellent results at 2 levels in 2023 and was rewarded with an AFL assignment.  He maintained his high K rate in Scottsdale but the walk rate went up.  AFL is a fairly extreme hitter's league and a small sample to boot so am not going to worry too much about his performance there.  I would think the combined A+ and AFL experience would net him an assignment to AA for 2024.  Future is probably lefty reliever to be used against more lefty-heavy lineups but those types of pitchers are in demand.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #28 Hayden Wynja

28.  Hayden Wynja LHP.   DOB:  10/14/1998.  6'9", 220 lbs.  Rule 5 eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A):  4-2, 3.98, 54.1 IP, 11.26 K/9, 2.98 BB/9, 2 Saves.

2023(A+):  3-4, 4.40, 43 IP, 9.84 K/9, 4.19 BB/9.

Another sleeper in the system though maybe not quite as deep as Daniel Blair because he's started showing up on some prospect lists.  Like Blair he was signed as a non-drafted free agent.  I don't have much of a scouting report on him but 6' 9" LHP's don't grow on trees.  Judging from his Fangraphs grades it his FB apparently does not match his height but he has a really good slider.  Pitched an immaculate inning in May for the SJ Giants.  Will watch with interest to see if his stuff plays at higher levels.  

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #29 Daniel Blair

29.  Daniel Blair RHP.  DOB:  4/8/1999.  6'3", 205 lbs.  Rule Eligible Dec. 2026.

2023(A):  7-1, 2.05, 52.2 IP, 7.69 K/9, 3.08 BB/9, 2 Saves.

2023(A+):  1-3, 5.58, 40.1 IP, 9.37 K/9, 3.57 BB/9.  

Daniel Blair is a major sleeper in the Giants system.  Non-drafted Free Agent from the 2022 draft cycle signed out of indy ball for 2023.  Ideal size for a pitcher.  Note that he pitched exclusively in relief for A San Jose but started 7 of 10 games after a promotion to A+.  While his ERA for Eugene looks ugly, also note that his K/9, K/BB and GB% improved significantly and his xFIP was actually lower despite moving into a starting role.  He's a protege of Tread Athletics who helped him rehab from a partial UCL tear and a partial Tommy John surgery(maybe a "brace" procedure?).  His FB velocity boosted from high 80's to 95-97 MPH and reportedly has a terrific sweeper to go with it.  A name I look forward to seeing frequently in Down on the Farm in 2024.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #30 Cole Foster

30.  Cole Foster SS.  DOB:  10/8/2001.  B-S, T-R.  6' 1", 193 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2023(ACL):  .333/355/.700, 3 HR, 3.2 BB%, 32.3 K%, 31 PA.

2023(A):  .230/.306/.390 4 HR, 2 SB, 7.2 BB%, 31.5 K%, 111 PA.

2023(College- Auburn):  .336/.429/.570, 13 HR, 5 SB, 30 BB, 50 K, 263 PA.  

 

Giants 3'rd round draft pick in 2023.  Put up solid numbers as a college SS.  MLB predraft scouting report with enough range and arm to play SS in the pros.  Showed some pop in his first pro experience but the K rate is alarming for a college draftee at such low levels.  Should get a better read on him in his first full pro season in 2024.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #35-31

35.  Thomas Szapucki LHP.  DOB:  6/12/1996.  6'2", 210 lbs.

2022(AAA-Mets):  2-6, 3.38, 64 IP, 12.23 K/9, 4.08 BB/9.

2022(AAA-Giants):  0-0, 1.08, 8.1 IP, 16.20 K/9, 3.24 BB/9.

2022(MLB- 2 teams):  0-1, 7.20, 15 IP, 10.80 K/9, 4.20 BB/9.

Szapucki came over to the Giants from the Mets in the Darin Ruf trade.  Lefty with strikeout stuff.  Ironically most of the damage that ballooned his MLB ERA in 2022 came in his only start and it was against the Giants.  He missed all of 2023 with a shoulder injury.  Released when he came off the 60-day IL at the beginning of the Hot Stove League season, he subsequently re-signed a minor league deal with the Giants.

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

2023:  .250/.471/.479, 3 HR, 6 SB, 28.6 BB%, 22.9 K%, 70 PA.  

2023:  .267/.364/.511, 3 HR 2 SB, 14.5 BB%, 34.5 K%, 55 PA.

Patience and pop with a bit of speed.  What's not to like?  K rate soared in A ball.  Lets see how he does at higher levels.

33.  Maui Ahuna SS.  DOB:  3/11/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6'1", 170 lbs.  

2023(College):  .312/.425/.537, 8 HR, 4 SB, 37 BB, 77 K, 247 PA.  

Extremely athletic, projectable SS prospect.  Struggled after transferring to Tennessee after a huge breakout season for Kansas in 2022.  Got a late start on the season due to eligibility issues and also had some injury issues.  Did not appear in any pro games after the draft.  Profile is eerily similar to Brandon Crawford's college experience down to 4'th round draft pick.  A name to follow with interest in boxscores in 2024.

32.  Alix Hernandez RHP. DOB:  7/16/2004.  6'2", 155 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

Interesting mix of age, size and K's.  Expect to see him pitch for San Jose in 2024.

2023(ACL):  3-3, 4.73, 51.1 IP, 12.10 K/9, 4.73 BB/9.  

31.  Gerelmi Maldonado RHP.  DOB:  12/21/2003.  6'2", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025

2023(A):  1-1, 4.71, 65 IP, 11.22 K/9, 5.54 BB/9, GB/FB= 1.35.  

Firm FB with a curveball as secondary pitch.  Needs to refine his command and probably add a changeup or split and possibly a harder breaking ball.

International Signing Day: Scouting the Prospects

 Today was the first day of the next international signing cycle.   There were no top 10 or even top 20 signings but the Giants did come away with two consensus top 50 prospects:

#25(Fangraphs):  Jhonny Level(Venezuela).   2B/SS.  16.8 yo.  B-S, T-R.  5'10", 154 lbs.

Looks a bit heavier than listed weight on video I've seen.  Nice swing from both sides of the plate with some power projection.  Listed as SS in official signing list but Fangraphs lists him as 2B.  Comped to Rafael Furcal which would not be a bad outcome.

#46(Fangraphs):  Yohendry Sanchez(Venezuela) C.  17.2 yo.  B-R, T-R. 6'0", 207 lbs.  

Classic catcher size but carries the weight well with long well proportioned limbs giving him an athletic appearance on video.  Tremendous power potential.

Overall the Giants signed 20 players from 6 countries:  11 from Venezuela, 5 from Dominical Republic, 1 each from Aruba, Brazil, Cuba and Panama.  

The Giants went heavy on position players. Only 4 out of 20 signings, all RHP's.  

Of the position players there were 3 catchers, 4 SS, 4 CF, 2 RF, 1 3B, 2 2B.

One that caught my eye out of several videos posted on X was Evan Estevez RF from DR.  6'3", 165 lbs.  Looks a bit heavier than that on video but still lots of room to fill out. Very projectable frame.  Just needs to hit.

We look forward to following their names in DSL boxscores this summer.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #40-36

#40.  T. J. Hopkins OF.   DOB:  1/16/1997.  B- R, T-R.  6'0", 195 lbs.  

2023(AAA Cin):  .308/.411/.514, 16 HR, 14.0 BB%, 23.9 K%, 393 PA.

2023(MLB Cin):  .171/.227/.171, 4.5 BB%, 38.6 K%, 44 PA.  

Hopkins was DFA'd by the Reds then the Giants traded for him for a PTBNL or cash.  Now he is one of 8 OF with MLB experience on the 40-man roster.  If the Giants don't add a starting OF by the start of spring training he will get a chance to audition for an OF depth role.

#39.  Heliot Ramos OF.  DOB:  9/7/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 188 lbs.  

2023(AAA):  .300/.382/.546, 12 HR, 9 SB, 10.3 BB%, 25.1 K%, 263 PA.

2023(MLB):  .179/.233/.304, HR, 6.7 BB%, 33.3 K%, 60 PA.  

While the Giants were wildly giving out MLB auditions to prospects last year, Heliot Ramos seemed to be in someone's doghouse and was handed a cup of coffee and told to sit and watch the traffic go by.  Granted he didn't make a lot of contact in his 60 PA's but when he did he had some of higher exit velocities on the team. After the season ended FZ expressed regret about not giving Heliot a longer look.  That's great of him to say but it's not at all clear when or how he's going to try to make up for that oversight.  If he's not traded first and if the Giants don't acquire another veteran OF, he could get a chance to win a 5'th or 6'th OF role, but unlike Joey Bart, he does have one option left so the Giants don't have to trade or release him if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster.

#38.  Jose Cruz RHP.  DOB:  5/18/2000.  6'1", 178 lbs.  

2023(A+):  0-0, 1.45, 18.2 IP, 13.50 K/9, 3.38 BB/9, 1 Save.

2023(AA):  0-2, 6.66, 25.2 IP, 13.68 K/9, 10.87 BB/9, 4 Saves.

Hard throwing relief prospect.  Protected on 40-man roster last year from Rule 5 Draft.  DFA'd after the season and elected free agency but then signed a minor league deal with the Giants 3 days later.  Hopefully he'll figure out what went haywire with his control in Richmond last year.  Potential future Closer if he can.

#37.  Randy Rodriguez RHP.  DOB:  9/5/1999.  6' 0", 166 lbs.  

2023(AA):  2-1, 2.97, 30.1 IP, 11.87 K/9, 5.34 BB/9, 1 Save.

2023(AAA):  0-1, 5.73, 37.2 IP, 9.80 K/9, 8.84 BB/9.  

Another hard throwing righty on the reliever track.  Added to 40-man roster prior to 2022 season to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.  He' still on the roster and has one option left with which to prove he deserves a shot at a MLB bullpen gig.

#36.  Juan Sanchez LHP.  DOB:  11/12/2000.  5'9", 165 lbs.  

2023(AA):  6-4, 2.39, 49 IP, 9.55 K/9, 3.67 BB/9, 3 Saves.

2023(AAA):  3-3, 4.26, 25.1 IP, 9.95 K/9, 4.25 BB/9.  

Smaller pitchability lefty who has made slow, steady progress through the Giants minor league system.  Some analyists thought he might be added to the 40-man roster in November or else selected in the Rule 5 Draft.  Neither happened.  He'll try to beat the odds of of a soft-tossing bullpen prospect in the PCL.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #45-41

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

2023(ACL):  .400/.524/.667, HR, 23.8 BB%, 28.6 K%, 21 PA.

2023(A):  .241/.364/.405,  2 HR, 3 SB, 15.2 BB%, 26.3 K%, 99 PA.

7'th round draft pick in 2023.   Bandura is a prospect I will watch closely for several reasons, not the least of which is his Little League World Series resume where he was Mo'Ne Davis' catcher.  Ivy League pedigree doesn't hurt either.  What separates him from most Ivy League draftees is the big league size and apparent athleticism.  Shows excellent plate discipline with modest present power with room for power projection.  Plus I give him at least a 60-grade as a baseball name.

44.  Manuel Mercedes RHP.   DOB:  9/21/2002.  6' 4", 190 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(A):  3-6, 3.64, 106.1 IP, 6.09 K/9, 3.55 BB/9, GB/FB= 2.86.  

It's continues to be crazy to me that an international prospect like Mercedes is a full year younger than Scott Bandura, as just one example, yet was Rule 5 Draft eligible last Dec while Bandura has 3 more full seasons to develop before the Giants face that risk with him.  It's probably a lot less important than I'm making it out to be but it still bugs the heck out of me.  Mercedes pounds the zone with a sinking FB that induces dominant groundball ratios.  There used to be a major market for those kinds of pitchers as "innings eaters" and #3/4 SP types but analytics do not like the outcome variability of the BABIP luck that comes with it.  While I would not want a rotation of 5 such pitchers, IMO every rotation should have at least one.

43.  Chris Wright LHP.  DOB:  10/14/1998.  6'1", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(AAA):  2-2, 5.28, 46 IP, 12.72 K/9, 9.20 BB/9.  

Rough introduction to AAA.  Lots of pitchers in the PCL had very high walk rates due to a constricted automated strike zone.  I don't think watching a lot of batters walk is what MLB wants to increase fan interest even if it does increase scoring.

42.  Nick Avila RHP.  DOB:  7/25/1997.  6'4", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(AAA):  14-0, 3.00, 72 IP, 8.00 K/9, 4.50 BB/9, GB/FB=1.27, 3 Saves.  

Forget the W-L.  That is a fluke of sequencing that is likely not repeatable but considering it was the PCL, this a strong pitching line anyway.  Avila was nabbed by the White Sox in last year's Rule 5 Draft but returned in time to start the season in the Giants organization.  Survived this year's Rule 5 Draft and has a chance to move up to MLB if a bullpen need arises.

41. Trenton Brooks OF/1B. DOB:  7/3/1995.  B- L, T-L.  5'10", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(AAA Oak):  .299/.405/.529, 16 HR, 5 SB, 13.8 BB%, 14.6 K%, 412 PA.

2023(AAA SFG):  .233/.382/.465, 6 HR, 2 SB, 18.9 BB%, 15.3 K%, 111 PA.

Hey!  Maybe that lefty-hitting DH I've been talking about is already in the organization?  Blake Sabol might be ahead of him on the depth chart for that gig?  I really like Brooks batting lines and would like to see what he could to at MLB level.

DrB's 20924 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #50-46

50.  Ubert Mejias RHP.  DOB:  3/24/2001.  6'3", 230 lbs. 

2023(ACL):  4-3, 3.90, 62.1 IP, 8.09 K/9, 2.45 BB/9, 

Cuban prospect signed at age 21 so older than most international prospects, but with several years of international playing experience. Available scouting reports have him with a FB that runs 92-94 mph with "advanced pitchability."  

49.  Ryan Reckley SS.  DOB:  9/6/2004.  B-S, T-R.  5' 10", 160 lbs. Rule 5 eligible Dec. 2026.

2023(ACL):  .164/.335/.261, 4 HR, 5 SB, 19.1 BB%, 37.6 K%.

Received a $2.2 M signing bonus before his pro debut in 2022.  Has produced elite walk rates his first two seasons and started to show some power in the ACL last season.  Will have to improve contact.

48.  Cesar Quintas OF.  DOB:  3/25/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 175 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible?

2023(ACL):  .372/.506, 473, HR, 3 SB, 13.1 BB%, 23.2 K%, 168 PA.  

Not sure why he is listed as Rule 5 Eligible by Fangraphs.  He's only played 3 seasons of pro ball so even if he signed before the lost 2020 season he should have a 5'th season before eligibility.  Oh well, doesn't really matter now as he was not selected in the Rule 5 Draft in Dec.  Would think next stop is San Jose after putting up strong offensive numbers in the ACL in 2023.

47.  Elian Rayo  3B.  DOB:  3/4/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 202 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2023(ACL):  .238/.397/.463, 7 HR, 18.0 BB%, 32.8 K%, 189 PA. 

Power hitting 3B prospect with K rates too high.  Same situation as Quintas re. Rule 5 Draft.

46.  Guillermo Williamson OF.   DOB:  3/16/2004.  B- L, T- L.  6' 1", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(ACL):  .285/.415/.511, 9 HR, 16.6 BB%, 29.3 K%, 229 PA.

Impressive power and walk numbers in 2 pro seasons.  Limited to LF defensively.  Will we see him in San Jose in 2024?

Hot Stove League Update: Giants Sign Jordan Hicks.....To Be A Starter

Well, another move I didn't see coming, although I was this close to writing a post about how converting relievers to starters might be cost-effective way to find starting pitching in an extreme sellers market.  Jordan Hicks RHP has long been a pitcher with elite velocity, although not necessarily elite results.   You may remember he broke in with the Cardinals.  He was a SP in their minor league system but except for an  unsuccessful 8-game attempt at starting in 2022, pitched exclusively as a reliever in the majors, sometimes as a Closer.  

He was beset by injuries starting with Tommy John Surgery in 2019.  He missed time in 2021 with elbow inflammation and time in 2022 with a flexor strain.  He was mostly healthy last season and traded to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline for a couple of prospects.  So where do we stand now?

Today, Hicks agreed to terms with the Giants on a 4 yr/$44 M contract with incentives based on IP which potentially add $2 M(not clear if the $2 M is per year or over the life of the contract).  Per MLBTR the Giants are signing him as a SP.  

Jordan Hicks RHP.   DOB:  9/6/1996.  6'2", 220 lbs. 

2023(2 teams):  3-9, 3.29, 65.2 IP, 11.10 K/9, 4.39 BB/9, 12 Saves, GB/FB= 2.65.  

Hicks has a sinking 100 mph FB that gets fewer K's than you might expect but produces dominant GB numhers.  That creates some potential for BABIP dependence.  He also has an 87 MPH slider which he throws about 25% of the time and a 91 MPH Changeup which he throws less than 5% per Fangraphs.  

I have no idea how this is going to work out but I really like the idea.  The overwhelming trend over the past couple of decades is for pitchers to devolve from SP's to RP's and almost never the other way around.  There have been several times over the past few years where I looked at certain relief pitchers and said to myself, why don't they stretch him out and see if he can start?  If it doesn't work out, they can always go back to relieving.  Of course, health is always an issue, particularly for hard throwers like Jordan Hicks but if he stays healthy the Giant just got a pitcher with elite stuff for potentially the 4 peak years of his career for $44 M/$11 M AAV.  Love the upside and love the outside-the-box thinking.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 8)

Dariel Lopez SS.  DOB:  2/7/2002.  B- R, T-R.  6'1", 183 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2022(A+ Pit):  .286/.329/.476, 19 HR, 6 SB, 5.0 BB%, 25.5 K%, 420 PA.  

Giants picked him up from the Pirates in the AAA phase of the Rule 5 draft after he missed the 2023 season with a knee injury.  When healthy he is a budding power bat who is probably more of a 3B defensively than SS.  I expect the Giants to start with a lower placement and advance him quickly if he performs well.  They will see if he is worth protecting from next year's Rule 5 Draft by the end of the season.

Yusniel Diaz OF.   DOB:  10/7/1996.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 215 lbs.  

2023(AA LAD):  .278/.374/.484, 16 HR, 7 SB, 13.8 BB%, 19.2 K%, 408 PA.  

Diaz was once considered an elite prospect signed by the Dodgers out of Cuba.  He put up big time numbers in the lower minors but went to the Orioles as the centerpiece of the Manny Machado trade.  He then suffered through a series of debilitating injuries and was DFA'd in Nov 2022 and signed as a minor league FA by his original team.  He put up nice numbers in a full season of PA's at the AA level.  He was not added to the Dodgers 40-man roster and elected free agency.  FZ pounced and signed him to a minor league deal. If he can stay healthy I expect him to hit well in AAA and get a chance at the MLB level with the Giants at some point in 2024.

John Bertrand LHP.   DOB:  2/8/1995.  6'3", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A):  4-0, 2.65, 17 IP, 6.35 K/9, 1.06 BB/9. 

2023(A+):  5-2, 2.92, 49.1 IP, 7.48 K/9, 2.19 BB/9.

2023(AA):  2-3, 4.67, 52 IP, 6.75 K/9, 3.63 BB/9.

Drafted out of Notre Dame as a graduate student in the 2022 draft.  Moved through 3 levels in his first full pro season.  K rates are not impressive but he's an extreme GB pitcher with GB/FB of approximately 2.  Of course that makes him BABIP dependent, but that is not a completely bad thing.  We'll see how that plays at higher levels in 2024.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 7)

 Nick Zwack LHP.  DOB:  8/1/1998.  6'3", 230 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023(AA):  5-7, 6.56, 81 IP, 10.11 K/9, 3.56 BB/9, GB/FB= 0.65, HR/FB= 12.6%, BABIP- .351.

The K/BB does not look so bad but Zwack was an extreme FB pitcher with an average HR/FB which led to 14 HR in just 81 IP.  Couple that with an atronomic BABIP and you get your 6.56 ERA.  Will some of those numbers regress in a positive direction next season?  His BABP the previous two seasons was .273 and .286 while his HR/FB was 3.8% and 7.7%.  Of course that's no guarantee of a positive regression but it indicates it could happen.

Michael Stryfeller RHP.  DOB:  5/22/1996.  6'2", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

Another one I'm not sure why I included.  Has pitched a total of 26 innings over the past 2 seasons.  Last year he made 4 appearances in April in AA then 3 appearances at the Arizona Complex in August. I assume injuries have kept him off the field for long stretches.  He has had K-rates of over 14/9 in most of his milb stops.  Anything left in the tank for comeback?

Evan Gates RHP.  DOB:  1/13/1998.  6'0", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2024.

2023(AA):  4-6, 4.39, 55.1 IP, 11.71 K/9, 4.88 BB/9, 6 Saves.

Undrafted free agent from 2021 who has made steady progress up the organization on the reliever track.

Tyler Myrick RHP.  DOB:  6/25/1998.  6'0", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023(A+):  1-2, 1.04, 26 IP, 8.65 K/9, 2.32 BB/9, 9 Saves.

2023(AA):  2-0, 1.44, 25 IP, 7.56 K/9, 3.24 BB/9, 6 Saves.

Hard sinking FB.  Myrick makes up for unimpressive K rates by limiting BB's and getting GB's.  Closed a lot of game last year but projects as more of setup man.

Wil Jensen RHP.  DOB:  9/2/1997.  6'4", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(AA):  7-0, 2.53, 89.0 IP, 9.40 K/9, 4.15 BB/9.  

Multi-inning reliever who has generally outperformed his secondary stats.

DrB's' 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 6)

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

2023(A+):  2-9, 5.87, 89 IP, 7.89 K/9, 5.87 BB/9.  

Still hasn't solved control issues.

Ben Madison RHP.  DOB:  9/15/1997.  6'3", 205 lbs.

2023(A+):  8-1, 3.05, 38.1 IP, 14.56 K/9, 4.70 BB/9.

2023(AA):  2-2, 3.98, 31.2 IP, 12.22 K/9, 8.35 BB/9, 2 Saves.

Tremendous season but walk rate ballooned in AAA.

Will Wilson SS.  DOB:  7/21/1998.  B-R, T-R. 6'0", 184 lbs. 

2023(AA):  .215/.276/.354, 5 HR, 6.4 BB%, 18.6 K%, 156 PA.

2023(AAA):  .234/.304/.408, 13 HR, 9.1 BB%, 25.0 K%, 340 PA.

Wilson had a better season than I thought but tough to see him making an inpact at the MLB level.  Would need a breakout season along with some bad things happening ahead of him on the depth chart.

Ismael Munguia OF.  DOB:  10/19/1998.  B-L, T-L, 5'10" 158 lbs.

2023(AA):  .282/.356/.391, 6 HR, 16 SB, 7.2 BB%, 13.4 K%, 335 PA.

Quietly put up a solid season for Richmond.  Similar profile to Wade Meckler.

Logan Wyatt 1B.  DOB:  11/15/1997.  B-L T-R.  6'4", 230 lbs.  

2023(A+):  .259/.371/.430, 8 HR, 14.4 BB%, 22.7 K%, 229 PA.

2023(AA):  .257/.339/.442, 9 HR, 10.6 BB%, 21.6 K%, 236 PA.

Wyatt finally found some traction and held his own at AA.  In a similar situation as Wilson above.

Hot Stove League Update: Manaea, Hernandez and Imanaga Sign.....But Not With Giants

The Hot Stove continue to show signs of life with several new signings while the Giants continued hang out on the sidelines.  

First Forever Giant Sean Manaea LHP  agreed to a deal with the Mets that the Giants probably could have had if they wanted it.  Apparently they did not.  The deal is 2yr/$28 M with....you guessed it, an opt out after the first year.  In other words, pretty much a 1 year extension of his deal with the Giants with a small raise.  Maybe the Giants have plans to sign a bigger name pitcher than Manaea.... or 2, but if that's their thinking they better get on it pronto because those types of pitchers are dwindling fast.  He's definitely a guy who could eat some innings and take some pressure off the kids until Ray and Cobb are ready.  Maybe the Giants think they can sign someone to fill that role for less money?  Not so sure in this market.

Then the Dodgers signed OF Teoscar Hernandez to a 1 yr/$23.5 M contract except, get this, $8.5 M is deferred to 2030-2039.  How Dodgery is that?  Hernandez' main value to the Mariners last year was in durability.  While he hit 26 HR, his rate stats were not that impressive and he only generated 1.8 fWAR in 678 PA.  So basically, yes, the Dodgers can have him and his deferred money.  BTW, California State Contoller Malia Cohen is not happy with the Dodgers or Shohei Ohtani and made a request to Congress(I assume of the United States) to cap deferred payments.  Fat chance she will get any action from this Congress but I like the idea.

Lastly, Shota Imanaga LHP who yesterday was rumored to be on the verge of signing with the Giants, and where have we heard that before, actually signed with the Cubs.  Shockingly the deal is for only 2 yr/$30 M in guaranteed money but contains options and escalators that could push it up to around $80 M.  So yeah, they, whoever "they" are, were pretty much trolling us Giants fans.   So, either the Giants have their sights set on another pitcher or they have decided to sit out what's left of the top of the market.  I know Imanaga has his warts, but. he sure seemed like a fit for the Giants and this seems like a deal the they could have easily topped.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 5)

Matt Mikulski LHP.   DOB:  5/8/1999.  6'4", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023 (A+):  4-3, 6.75, 66.2 IP, 9.59 K/9, 7.29 BB/9, GB/FB= 0.86.  

I keep seeing scouting reports of a 55/60 FB and a 60/70 changeup(Fangraphs).  I saw him pitch for SJ in 2022 and frankly I didn't see anything close to that kind of stuff.  In that start he threw what looked to me like mostly cutters and changeups with poor command and got knocked around.  Results since tend to correlate with my observations.  I would love for him to prove me wrong.

Nick Sinacola RHP.  DOB:  10/29/1999.  6'2", 205 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024

2023(A+):  2-5, 4.58, 88.1 IP, 10.19 K/9, 2.55 BB/9.

Don't have much of a scouting report but pitched well enough in A+ to move up to AA.

Ty Weber RHP.  DOB:  3/19/1998.  6'4", 220 lbs. 

2023(A+):  3-2, 10.08, 27.2 IP, 5.20 K/9, 3.90 BB/9.

2023(AAA):  0-0, 1.80, 5 IP, 3.60 K/9, 1.80 BB/9.

Hmm......not sure why I put him in the HM list after looking more closely at these numbers.

Eric Silva RHP.  DOB:  10/3/2002.  6'1", 185 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A+):  2-7, 5.92, 76 IP, 8.64 K/9, 4.62 BB/9.  

Above-slot HS bonus baby from the 2021 draft.  Results have not matched those expectations but still has time to develop.  Best pitch per Fangraphs scouting report is curveball rated 55/60.

Carson Ragsdale RHP.  DOB:  5/25/1998.  6'8', 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(A+):  0-1, 2.93, 27.2 IP, 13.66 K/9, 1.95 BB/9.  

Missed all of 2022 with thoracic outlet surgery then was shut down May after 7 starts and just 27.2 IP with the dreaded forearm tightness.  Great numbers when healthy and love the height.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 4)

Jared Dupere OF.  DOB:  1/23/1999.  B-L, T-R.  5'11", 100 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024

2023(A+):  .246/.313/.428, 12 HR 11 SB, 7.4 BB%, 38 K%, 392 PA.

Has some power and speed but the K-rate is frightful.

Luis Toribio 3B/1B.  DOB:  9/28/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'1", 185 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(A+):  .232/.333/.432, 17 HR, 13.1 BB%, 27.2 K%, 412 PA.   

Been around forever.  3-true outcomes.  Time to see if he can handle AA.

Andrew Kachel IF.  DOB:  12/24/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'0", 170 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2025.

2023(A):  .289/.376/.437, 6 HR, 7 SB, 12.3 BB%, 25.0 K%, 332 PA

2023(A+):  .250/.317/.361, 3 SB, 9.8 BB%, 34.1 K%, 41 PA.  

A ball is too low a level for a 2022 college draftee and 41 PA is too SSS.  Hard to make much out of these lines.  Full season of A+ ball should give a better read.

Damon Dues 2B.  DOB:  6/21/1998.  B-L, T-R.  6'0", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023(A+):  .290/.398/.362, 0 HR, 25 SB, 14.4 BB%, 20.8 K%, 250 PA.

Undrafted FA.  Intriguing combo of contact, patience and speed.  No power could be a problem at higher levels.

Thomas Gavello C/IF.  DOB:  6/6/2001.  B-L, T-R.  5'10", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2025.

2023(A):  .249/.408/.468, 10 HR, 6 SB, 11.4 BB%, 26.6 K%, 263 PA

2023(A+):  .217/.311/.272, HR, SB, 6.6 BB%, 35.8 K%, 106 PA.

K/BB went the wrong way after promotion to A+.  Should start back there in 2024.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 3)

 Jairo Pomares OF.  DOB:  8/4/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'0", 185 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(ACL):  .308/.419/.385, 16.1 BB%, 29.0 K%, 31 PA.

Lost most of last season to an apparent injury.  Running out of time so needs to make a big move in 2024.  Defensively limited so the bat has to play.

Carter Howell OF.  DOB:  2/7/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 200 lbs.

2023(A):  .337/.398/.500, 4 HR, 8 SB, 8.6 BB%, 19.8 K%, 197 PA.

2023(A+):  .270/.353/.408, 6 HR, 6 SB, 10.7 BB%, 19.8 K%, 354 PA

2023(AFL):  .273/.344/.527, 3 HR, 6 BB, 19 K, 55 AB.  

Undrafted Free Agent out of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.  Has done nothing but hit, college, collegiate wood bat summer leagues, regular minor league seasons and the AFL.   Could the Giants challenge him with a AA assignment to start 2024?

Nomar Medina LHP.  DOB:  11/23/2002.  6'0", 190 lbs.

2023(A):  6-8, 5.19, 95.1 IP, 7.27 K/9, 4.34 BB/9.

I don't have much of a scouting report but his lines look like a soft-tossing lefty who depends on command and secondary stuff.

Tyler Vogel RHP.  DOB:  11/16/2000.  6'0", 175 lbs.

2023(A):  6-7, 4.27, 65.1 IP, 12.26 K/9, 4.68 BB/9, 5 Saves.

Worked exclusively out of the bullpen for S with strong K rates.  Maybe a future bullpen arm?

Luke Shliger C.  DOB:  9/25/2001.  B-L, T-R.  5'9", 180 lbs.

2023(A):  .298/.403/.351, 11.9 BB%, 14.9 K%, 67 PA.

The bat looks good so far.  Might be power challenged.  Can he play catcher or some other position? 

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 2)

 Javier Francisco IF.  DOB:  11/11/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 162 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2024.

2023(ACL):  .280/.442/.542, 7 HR, 21.2 BB%, 19.2 K%, 156 PA.

2023(A):  .241/.303/.345, 9.1 BB%, 24.2 K%, 33 PA.

International signee in 2019 but lost the 2020 season so is older than you expect for level of play.  Showed some power in the ACL.  Defensively limited to corner IF, maybe LF.  Protege of Fernando Tatis Sr and has been comped to Fernando Tatis Jr.  Needs a breakout season at the plate.

Charlie Szykowny IF.  DOB:  6/30/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'4", 225 lbs.

2023(ACL):  .250/.391/.462, 2 HR 14.1 BB%, 21.9 K%, 64 PA.

2023(A):  .239/.340/.304, 9.4 BB%, 15.1 K%, 53 PA.

5th year college draftee.  Played SS in college but size favors a move to 3B where he'll have more pressure on the bat.

Justin Wishkoski 3B.  DOB:  1/19/2001.  B- R, T- R.  6'3", 195 lbs.

2023(ACL):  .375/.500/.563, HR, 15.0 BB%, 1.7 K%, 60 PA.

2023(A):  .209/.346/.302, 13.5 BB%, 9.6 K%, 52 PA.

College Senior draftee.  Played in an extreme hit-friendly conference but so far excellent K/BB translates to pros.  Defensively limited.  Will go as far as the bat takes him.

Justin Bench 3B/OF.  DOB:  8/28/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 185 lbs.  

2023(ACL):  .370/.466/.587, HR, 12.1 BB%, 8.6 K%, 58 PA

2023(A):  .354/.446/.354, 5 SB, 7.1 BB%, 14.3 K%, 56 PA.

Another college senior draftee.  Played CF in college but probably does not have the speed for that position in the pros.  Bat may be legit.  HOF Johnny Bench has a son named Justin and Justin's father's name is John but no, this Justin Bench is not the son of THAT Johnny Bench!

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

2023(A):  .287/.374/.370, 19 2B, 3 3B, 27 SB, 10.7 BB%, 8.9 K%, 347 PA.

NDFA signed out of indy ball last offseason.  Hill is a CF/leadoff/speed/contact type player.  Comparable to Wade Meckler in terms of playing style.  Maybe a tad more speed than Meck?  Played progressively better as the SJ season went along.  Should be ready for the A+ challenge in 2024.

Hot Stove League Update: Giants Unload Haniger and Tony D for Robbie Ray

 Well, what a surprise!  Can't say I saw this coming.  Still trying to wrap my head around it, but we'll try to unpack it now.  FZ reached out to his fave trading partner, Trader Jerry DiPoto of the Mariners, to unload a couple of contracts that were perhaps getting in his way.  In return, he picks up a former Cy Young Award winner who is coming off Tommy John surgery and will likely start the season on the 60-day IL.   The Giants also send $6 M cash to the Mariners so the money for 2024 is exactly even.  So what is the benefit to the Giants here?

1.  After the Jung-Hoo Lee signing, the Giants had a glut of OF's.  While Mitch Haniger is a candidate to bounce back after yet another injury plagued season, his performance was not at all impressive when he did play and he is not getting younger and the injuries keep piling up.  He seemed to be the obvious odd-man out in a crowded OF situation.  Moving him opens up the possibility of acquiring another OF through trade or free agency and it also potentially opens a DH slot to accommodate J. D. Davis in the event of a Matt Chapman signing.

2.  While Ray is coming off TJ surgery, if you were betting on a player returning to full strength and performance, I think you would bet on a former Cy Young winner coming back from TJ over the oft-injured Haniger and a pitcher who is coming off platelet-rich plasma injections, which I mean, have those ever worked?  

3.  There is possibly another angle that I haven't seen anyone mention.  I haven't been able to confirm, but I think the CBT payroll is calculated based on players on the 40-man roster.  Robbie Ray will almost certainly start the season on the 60-day IL which removes him from the 40-man roster until he is activated which lowers the CBT hit the Giants would take for his salary. If this is correct, does it portend them taking their payroll spending right up to the threshold?  

While the trade is not a slam-dunk win for the Giants it may facilitate future moves and I believe Ray's likely upside is greater than either Mitch Haniger or Anthony DeSclafani.

BTW, both Haniger and Ray has opt-out clauses in their contracts at the end of 2024.  Again, I would say Ray is the more likely of the two to be in position to opt out, although if he doesn't, his contract is for an additional year beyond Haniger's and is for more money per year.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Honorable Mention(Part 1)

Alexander Suarez OF.  DOB:  12/20/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6'2", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2023(A):  .245/.310/.353, 5 HR, 22 SB, 5.4 BB%, 27.2 K%, 404 PA.  Probably one of the more tooled up players in the organization but will he ever hit enough?  I believe he is a cousin of Luis Matos.

Estanlin Cassiani OF.  DOB:  12/30/2002.  B-L, T-L.  5'11", 155 lbs.   Rule 5 eligible Dec 2024.

2023(ACL):  .314/.387/.414, 12 2B, HR, 5 SB, 9.9 BB%, 15.2 K%, 191 PA.  

Pretty good walk rate despite being a contact hitter with little power.  Should move up to SJ for 2024.

Samuel Reyes OF.  DOB:  1/27/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6'0", 170 lbs.  

.378/.478, 432, 15.2 BB%, 13.0 K%, 46 PA.  

IDK much about him.  Don't recall ever noticing him before I looked up the current rosters despite 2023 being his third season in the organization.  Hit .305 in his age 18 season in the DSL.  Struggled to a .222 in his first ACL season in 2022.  Improved that a lot last season but in a SSS.  Who is this guy and is he going to move up to SJ in 2024?

Carlos Molina LHP.  DOB:  2/7/2005.  6'0", 190 lbs. 

2023(ACL):  4-0, 3.90, 30 IP, 10.5 K/9, 3.3 BB/9.  GB/FB= 1.45.  Most intriguing part of his line is DOB.  Not all that many 18 yo in in ACL. Also a lefty.

Christian Avendano RHP.  DOB:  9/4/2003.  6'0", 168 lbs.  

2023(ACL):  0-1, 4.67, 27 IP, 13.33 K/9, 6.67 BB/9.  Was a hitter in the DSL in 2022. Converted to pitching in 2023 and promoted to ACL after 3 IP in the DSL.  Just looking at the line I'm going to guess he throws really hard.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Dominican Dandies(Part 3)

We'll post 7 prospect profiles here to wrap up the Dominican Dandies.

Moises De La Rosa OF.  DOB:  11/29/2004.  B-R, T-R.  6'2", 190 lbs.

.286/410/.463, 5 HR, 5 SB, 14.2 BB%, 20.8 K% 183 PA.  Started to show some power at age 18 while maintaining strong K/BB.  Should be in the ACL this summer for his age 19 season.  Profiles as a corner OF but might have enough bat to play there.

Keiberg Camacaro SS.  DOB:  8/24/2006.  B-R, T- R.  5'11", 158 lbs.  

.226/.348/.396, 4 HR, 11 SB, 11.6 BB%, 30.3 K%, 198 PA.  The line is not that impressive until you realize the DSL season ended three days before his 17'th birthday.  He got stronger at the season progressed batting .353 over his last 11 games.  Will he try to improve his line in a second DSL season or will be play his age 17 season in Arizona?

Carlos Concepcion OF,  DOB:  1/6/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6'1", 189 lbs.  

.291/.368/.436, 4 HR, 3 SB, 9.8 BB%, 21.8 K%, 133 PA.  Strong line for age 17 season.  Should be in Arizona this summer.

Anyelo Gonzalez C. DOB:  9/24/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5'11", 165 lbs.

.291/.370/.411, 3 HR, 3 SB, 8.7 BB%, 18.5 K%, 173 PA.  Lefty hitting catcher prospect should be in Arizona for his age 19 season.

Carlos Gutierrez OF.  DOB:  8/22/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5'10", 174 lbs.  

.359/.444/.462, 12 SB, 12.2 BB%, 6.7 K%, 90 PA.  Contact/speed kid with a reversed K/BB.  Is the sample size enough to get him to Arizona?

Diego Villegas OF.  DOB:  3/23/2004.  B-L, T-L, 5'10", 170 lbs.  

.297/.420/.396, 16.1 BB%, 18.8 K%, 112 PA.  Third DSL season but improved his numbers each season with stellar K/BB.  

Anthony Tandron SS.   DOB:  11/8/2005.  B-R, T-R.  6'3", 175 lbs.

.244/.342/.288, 5 SB, 12.3 BB%, 26.2 K%, 187 PA.  Cuban prospect with great height for a SS prospect but needs to fill out his frame and get stronger.  May be held back in the DSL to work on that.

I think that is a remarkably strong Dominican Dandies list.  By far the strongest I remember in 15 seasons of posting these.

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Dominican Dandies(Part 2)

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

.288/.460/.471, 3 HR, 12 SB, 21.9 BB%, 29.9 K%, 137 PA.  Reynoso's name started showing up in daily Down on the Farm posts right out of the gate as the DSL got started.  There is nothing to not like here except maybe the K rate of 30.  Power, walk rate, speed.  I see no reason for him to not graduate to the ACL for his age 19 season with potential for a later season promotion to San Jose to get his feet wet in full season ball.  Maybe not quite as elite a prospect as Rayner Arias but I'm really excited for this kid.

Angel Guzman OF.  DOB:  11/15/2005.  B-L, T-L.  5'11", 170 lbs.

.257/.392/.450, 4 HR, 6 SB, 15.8 BB%, 18.7 K%, 171 PA.  Guzman is 8 mo younger than Dario Reynoso but that is the difference between playing a full short season at age 17 vs age 18 for Reynoso.  Guzman has all the positives of Reynoso but with a much better K rate and he's a full year younger in playing age.  Another DSL youngster who should be in Arizona this summer.

Lisbel Diaz OF.  DOB:  7/19/2005.  B-R, T-R.  6'2", 201 lbs.  

.312/.386/.455, 3 HR, 8.0 BB%, 11.4 K%, 88 PA.  Another kid who was born late enough in the year for 2023 to be his age 17 season.  A lot bigger than either Reynoso or Guzman.  That may give him a higher ceiling or it may limit him defensively.  Will the 88 PA's be enough to get him a ticket to Arizona?  The numbers sure look like it but SSS.

Jose Bello RHP.  DOB:  5/29/2005.  6'1", 164 lbs.  

1-2, 3.55, 33 IP, 10.64 K/9, 2.73 BB/9.  GB/FB= 2.00, xFIP= 3.12.  Here's a younger pitcher who looks ready for a higher assignment.

Carlos Rangel LHP.  DOB:  3/4/2004.  6'3", 175 lbs.  

0-0, 5.40, 11.2 IP, 5 BB, 13 K.  GO/AO= 2.00.  Height is intriguing, especially for a LHP, but has only pitched 19 innings in 2 DSL seasons.  Will he be stuck there for a third season?

Hot Stove League Update: BoSox and Braves Swap Sale and Grissom

 The top of the free agent market remained congealed over the New Years Holiday weekend but the Braves and Red Sox pulled of an interesting one-for-one challenge trade, Vaughn Grissom IF for Chris Sale LHP.  Grissom is a young player with a perceived upside who was blocked in the Braves organization while Sale is on oft-injured ace who wore out his welcome in Boston but may finally be healthy which makes for an intriguing combination of upside and risk on both sides.

Vaughn Grissom IF.  DOB:  1/5/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6'3", 210 lbs.  

2023(AAA):  .330/.419/.501, 8 HR, 13 SB, 12.0 BB%, 14.1 K%, 468 PA.

2023(MLB):  .280/.313/.347, 2.5 BB%, 18.8 K%, 80 PA.  

Grissom jumped from AA to the majors in 2022 and impressed.  Spent most of 2023 in AAA but hit very well with a terrific K/BB.  There is plenty of upside here and the Red Sox expect him to be their starting 2B in 2024.  The Braves had Ozzie Albies and Orlando Arcia ahead of him on their middle IF depth chart.  There was talk of him moving to LF but the trade for Jarred Kelenic put the brakes on that idea.  So the Braves used the surplus to bolster an already pretty good rotation and were willing to sacrifice the long term upside to win now.

Chris Sale LHP.  DOB:  3/30/1989.  6'6", 183 lbs.  

2023:  6-5, 4.30, 102.2 IP, 10.96 K/9, 2.54 BB/9, 3.72 xFIP.  

We all know who Chris Sale is.  A true ace when healthy.  He missed most of 2021 and 2022 seasons with a UCL injury.  Missed a couple of months last year with a stress reaction in his scapula but came back to pitch well over the final 2 months allowing just 2 ER in 16 IP over his last 3 starts.  The Braves are rolling the dice that he can stay healthy enough for on season to give them that extra ace to win the division and get them through an increasingly grueling postseason schedule.  The Red Sox are kicking in $17 M out of his 27.5 M salary.  There is a $20 M team option with a buyout for 2024.  Again, Sale is well worth it if healthy and the Braves are only taking on short term risk here.

Even with the Addition of Lucas Giolito RHP, the Red Sox this trade leaves the Red Sox woefully short on pitching.  They will undoubtedly be looking to add pitching through additional FA signings or the trade market.  They have a modest surplus of young OF's.  

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Dominican Dandies(Part 1)

 We start working our way through the top prospect list profiling each prospect starting with the Dominican Dandies then the Honorable Mentions then the Top 50 list starting at #50 and ending with #1 hopefully sometime around the start of Spring Training.  We are getting late start and counting the DD's and HM's there are a lot of names.  We'll do 5 at at time and my continue that into the bottom 20 or so of the top 50 list.  I don't have much info on a lot of the complex players other than general impressions from basic bios and stat lines.  

Brayan Cabello RHP.   DOB:  12/6/2003.  6'0", 155 lbs.  3-1, 6.27, 33 IP, 10.36 K/9, 3.27 BB/9, GB/FB= 1.74.  FIP= 3.83, xFIP= 3.57.  20 yo's who have spent 3 years in the DSL are usually not prospects, but secondary stats perhaps worth a look in the Arizona Complex.

Jorge Martinez RHP.  DOB:  11/6/2001.  6'0", 161 lbs.  3-1, 1.69, 32 IP, 10.41 K/9, 3.09 BB/9.  22 yo who have spend 3 seasons in the DSL are even less likely to be prospects than 20 yo but again, the stat line is intriguing.

Jose Gonzalez RHP.  DOB:  6/15/2002.  6'1", 180 lbs.  3-1, 4.35, 41.1 IP, 8.71 K/9, 4.14 BB/9, GB/FB= 1.96.  Another 3 year DSL vet.

Randry Deleon RHP.  DOB:  7/21/2005.  6'4", 201 lbs.  0-4, 8.51, 30.2 IP, 10.86 K/9, 6.75 BB/9.  The line is admittedly not that encouraging but age and size working in his favor.

Jose Rengel LHP.  DOB;  9/8/2005.  6'0", 168 lbs.  2-2, 4.42, 38.2 IP, 8.84 K/9, 2.79 BB/9, GB/FB= 1.65.  Young lefty on the small side but again age working in his favor.

OK, before you start throwing rotten tomatoes, the Dominican Dandy hitting prospects are much more compelling than the pitchers.  Have patience!

DrB's 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospects

We will ring in the new year with our final annual 2024 Giants Top 50 Prospect list.  We added Keaton Winn, Kai-Wei Teng, Daniel Blair, Quinn McDaniel, Maui Ahuna and Manuel Mercedes.  We bumped a few complex players down into Honorable Mention.  I think we may have inadvertently dropped someone in the process but I can't figure out who.

This is the strongest Giants prospect list I can remember.  It has 5 really good prospects at the top and runs deep.  I am particularly excited by the number of very promising Dominican Dandies, something I don't think any other analyst is focusing on.

Once again, try to not get too hung up on the exact order.  The main goal of the exercise is to know better the players in the Giants farm system.

1.  Kyle Harrison LHP

2.  Marco Luciano SS

3.  Bryce Eldridge OF/RHP

4.  Walker Martin SS

5.  Rayner Arias OF

6.  Keaton Winn RHP

7.  Mason Black RHP

8.  Carson Whisenhunt LHP

9.  Trevor McDonald RHP

10.  Kai-Wei Teng RHP

11.  Hayden Birdsong RHP

12.  Joe Whitman LHP

13.  Reggie Crawford LHP/1B

14.  Tyler Fitzgerald SS/OF

15.  Wade Meckler OF

16.  Erik Miller LHP

17.  Carson Seymour RHP

18.  Landon Roupp RHP

19.  Aeverson Arteaga SS

20.  Grant McCray OF

21.  Diego Velasquez SS

22.  Vaun Brown OF

23.  Victor Bericoto OF/1B

24.  Zach Morgan C

25.  Adrian Sugastey C

26.  Onil Perez C

27.  Jack Choate LHP

28.  Hayden Wynja LHP

29.  Daniel Blair RHP

30.  Cole Foster SS

31.  Gerelmi Maldonado RHP

32.  Alix Hernandez RHP

33.  Maui Ahuna SS

34.  Quinn McDaniel 2B

35.  Thomas Szapucki LHP

36.  Juan Sanchez LHP

37.  Randy Rodriguez RHP

38.  Jose Cruz RHP

39.  Heliot Ramos OF

40.  TJ Hopkins OF

41.  Trenton Brooks OF/1B

42.  Nick Avila RHP

43.  Chris Wright LHP

44.  Manuel Mercedes RHP

45.  Scott Bandura OF

46.  Guillermo Williamson OF

47.  Elian Rayo 3B

48.  Cesar Quintas OF

49.  Ryan Reckley SS

50.  Ubert Mejias RHP 

Honorable Mention(in no particular order):  Dariel Lopez SS, Yusniel Diaz OF, John Bertrand LHP, Wil Jensen RHP, Tyler Myrick RHP, Evan Gates RHP, Michael Stryfeller RHP, Nick Zwack LHP, Logan Wyatt 1B, Ismael Munguia OF, Will Wilson SS, Ben Madison RHP, Seth Lonsway LHP, Carson Ragsdale RHP, Eric Silva RHP, Ty Weber RHP, Nick Sinacola RHP, Matt Mikulski LHP, Thomas Gavello C/IF, Damon Dues 2B, Andrew Kachel IF, Luis Toribio 3B, 1B, Jared Dupere OF, Jairo Pomares OF, Carter Howell OF, Nomar Medina LHP, Tyler Vogel RHP, Luke Shliger C, Javier Francisco IF, Charlie Szykowny IF, Justin Wishkoski 3B, Justin Bench OF, Tanner Hill OF, Alexander Suarez OF, Estanlin Cassiani OF, Samuel Reyes OF. Carlos Molina LHP, Christian Avendano RHP.

Dominican Dandies(in no particular order):  Moises De La Rosa OF, Keiberg Camacaro SS, Carlos Concepcion OF, Anyelo Gonzalez C, Carlos Gutierrez OF, Diego Villegas OF, Anthony Tandron SS, Dario Reynosis 3B, Angel Guzman OF, Lisbel Diaz OF, Jose Bello RHP, Carlos Rangel LHP, Brayan Cabello RHP, Jorge Martinez RHP, Jose Gonazalez RHP, Randry DeLeon RHP, Jose Rengel LHP.