Grant McCray OF. DOB: 12/7/2000. B-L, T-R. 6' 2", 190 lbs. Drafted 2019 Round 3($697 K).
2024(AA): .210/.313/.420, 14 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 6 SB, 11.5 BB%, 32.2 K%, 208 PA.
2024(AAA): .272/.347/.471, 12 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 8 SB, 9.9 BB%, 25.4 K%, 213 PA.
2024(MLB): .202/.238/.379, 3 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 5 SB, 4.6 BB%, 43.1 K%, 130 PA.
Most Giants prospect rankings don't list McCray but according to Baseball-Reference, McCray is still rookie eligible so I have him on my list. When I make these lists it's always a challenge to weigh current performance against future ceiling and proximity to the majors against time for development. McCray was rushed up to fill a smoking crater left in CF by Jung Hoo Lee's injury and he wasn't ready having played less than a season above A+ ball. Having said that, he did stabilize an unstable position and showed flashes of his plus tools across the board. He finished the season as the starting CF and is probably still #2 on the CF depth chart should Lee suffer another prolonged absence. McCray obviously needs more seasoning in the upper minors but to my eye has louder tools than Lee and a higher future ceiling. Tools and ceiling combined with presence on the 40-man roster and likely position on the CF depth chart are why I have him ranked #2.
As always, thanks for the great work, Doc!
ReplyDeletePer Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs, it appears the Giants have their eyes on another international SS prospect, this time Luis Hernandez from Venezuela. Longenhagen's sources say he's coming to SFG for close to $5mil, big money for a kid he describes as "quite exciting." 17 years old, currently. Here's his write up from Fangraphs' International Prospect Board:
Among the more well-rounded and skillful players in the 2026 class, Hernandez is a righty-hitting infielder with a gorgeous, effortless swing. He has precocious bat control and gap-to-gap power. He's trained at Carlos Guillén's academy, and played for los Samanes de Aragua in Venezuela's LMPB (their summer pro league, distinct from winter ball) in 2024 against much, much older players, showing flashes of his power amid predictably inconsistent play. He lacks the premium projection of most top-of-the-class talents, but projects to have the contact/power blend of an everyday infielder.
Giants are starting to build a track record of landing top 5 international prospects almost every signing period. I am confident that will deliver big dividends in the future.
DeleteFootage of Hernandez is exciting and good reason to not go after anymore free agents with qualifying offers attached. Hernandez is going to get most of the available international bonus money.
DeleteMcCray's K rate is concerning. I hope he gets it down with more experience.
ReplyDeleteGoing after someone with a qualifying offer should fill a long term need and not have a player opt out or not if he plays poorly like Conforto. And others.
ReplyDeletePick like Adames.
Don't pick Bregmans.
Extend Chapmans.
Good for Posey.
If you spend big money, lock it down for you not them.