Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Shortstop

The Giants shortstop position may be the most problematic position in the short term while at the same time having one of the strongest longterm outlooks in all of major league baseball.  The long term challenge is to decide which of a plethora of highly ranked prospects will emerge as their shortstop of the future and likely franchise cornerstone.

MLB:

Willy Adames:  DOB:  9/2/1995.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 216 lbs.  Under Contract through 2031.

2026:  .230/.289/.424, 25 2B, 21 HR, 5 SB, 7.3 BB%, 27.5 K%, 505 PA.

Christian Koss:  DOB:  1/27/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 185 lbs.  2 Options.  1.00 yr Service Time.

2026(MLB):  .217/.257/.305, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.1 BB%, 26.7 K%, 221 PA.

Osleivis Basabe:  DOB:  9/13/2000.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 197 lb.  1 Option.  .05 yr Service Time.

2026(MLB):  .202/.268/.341, 5 HR, 2 SB, 6.3 BB%, 20.3 K%, 143 PA.

Adames went on the IL due to a left elbow sprain for which he receive a Plasma-Rich Platelet injection but he was apparently already dealing with a nagging back problem(although as Kruk pointed out, it did not keep him from lifting heavy Gatorade jugs).  Buster has no choice but to count on him bouncing back from both injuries and having a strong season.  If he doesn't it's 5 long, painful years of paying down that contract.  Between Koss and Basabe, Koss is the better defender so has the inside track at the utility infielder role.

AAA:  

Aeverson Arteaga:  DOB:  3/16/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .318/.395/.500, 2 HR, 2 SB, 7.8 BB%, 28.6 K%, 77 PA.

2026(AAA):  .243/.293/.346, 12 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 5.9 K%, 23.7 K%, 304 PA.

Zane Zielinski:  DOB:  7/28/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A+):  .258/.343/.314, 9 2B, 13 SB, 10.3 BB%, 27.2 K%, 184 PA.

2026(AA):  .206/.250/.301, 7 2B, 2 HR, 3 SB, 4.8 BB%, 34.9 K%, 146 PA.

2026(AAA):  .143/.333/.286, 22.2 BB%, 11.1 K%, 9 PA.

Arteaga was once the shortstop of the future before injuries derailed his development.  Neither he nor Zielinski figure into the long term future of the Giants infield at this point.

AA:

Gavin Kilen:  DOB:  3/28/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 187 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A+):  .282/.350/.462, 27 2B, 3B, 9 HR, 9.2 BB%, 13.8 K%, 349 PA.

2026(AA):  .297/.343/.469, 10 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 7.7 BB%, 15.4 K%, 143 PA.

Maui Ahuna:  DOB:  3/11/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 196 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .228/.327/.335, 18 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 31 SB, 11.5 BB%, 28.9 K%, 460 PA.

Gavin Kilen quietly had a strong season across two levels.  While he did play a little 2B, the vast majority of his innings were at shortstop where word on the street is he has been surprisingly good on defense.  It's not hard to see him being ready for a major league debut by midseason.  Right now there is only one open position for him, second base.  Maui Ahuna has some speed but is otherwise a 3-true outcomes guy without the power.  He's kind of overwhelmed by the abundance of top tier infield prospects in the Giants system.

A+:

Jhonny Level:  DOB:  3/29/2007.  B-S, T-R.  5' 8", 186 lb.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .325/.392/.576, 14 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 11 SB, 7.8 BB%, 16.6 K%, 217 PA.

2026(A+):  .302/.363/.473, 25 2B, 3B, 8 HR, 15 SB, 7.9 BB%, 17.5 K%, 331 PA.

What a terrific season for Jhonny Level!  To my eye he is more of a 2B than shortstop but he's a shortstop for now.  The bat is real.  Maxed out physically.  

A:

Josuar Gonzalez:  DOB:  10/16/2007.  B-S, T- R.  5' 10", 178 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029

2026(ACL):  .343/.451/.515, 7 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 8 SB, 16.4 BB%, 20.5 K%, 122 PA.

2026(A):  .357/.444, 556, 6 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 13 SB, 13.7 BB%, 19.6 K%, 153 PA.

Luis Hernandez:  DOB:  12/13/2008.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 172 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2030.

2026(ACL):  .298/.382/.535, 19 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 6 SB, 11.0 BB%, 16.7 K%, 228 PA.

2026(A):  .231/.276/.319, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6.1 BB%, 29.6 K%, 98 PA.

Lorenzo Meola:  DOB:  12/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .269/.353/.468, 40 2B, 5 3B, 15 HR, 9.5 BB%, 24.3 K%, 547 PA.

Gonzalez had a terrific season justifying his #1 prospect ranking in the Giants organization.  I saw him hit an absolute rocket of a home run batting from the right side, but he may have less power batting left. PA's limited by a nagging hammy which will hopefully be fully healed by next season. Should move up to A+ to start 2027.  Luis Hernandez also made an impressive debut in the ACL as a 17 year old.  Struggled a bit more after a promotion to A ball where he will likely start next season. He played 3B when he and Gonzalez were on the field at the same time.  I saw him make a big league throw from foul territory behind 3B.  Meola had a sneaky good season but it should be noted he was not promoted out of A ball like other 2026 college draftees.

ACL: 

Anthony Marquez:  DOB:  9/23/2006.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 164 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .243/.352/.355, 7 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 11 SB, 13.1 BB%, 21.6 K%, 199 PA.

Brodey Acres: DOB: 6/2/2004.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 185 lbs.  

2026(College):  .385/.471/.690, 21 2B, 3 3B, 10 HR, 11 SB, 13.6 BB%, 10.4 K%, 221 PA.  

2026(Development):  .324/.381/.505, 7 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 14 SB, 8.7 BB%, 18.1 K%, 127 PA.

Marquez is overshadowed by the top tier shortstop prospects in the system.  Acres was signed as an undrafted free agent late in the season and did not appear in any affiliated games.

DSL:  

Joniel Hernandez:  DOB:  3/6/2009.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2030.

2026(DSL):  .321/.439/.539, 17 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 10 SB, 16.8 BB%, 15.5 K%, 238 PA.

With almost all the Giants bonus money for this cycle going into Luis Hernandez, the DSL did not have too many interesting prospect until Joniel Hernandez arrived after the trade deadline from the Padres organization.  Very interesting prospect whose ceiling may be as high as anyone in the organization.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Third Base

Assuming Matt Chapman comes back healthy next season, he's the Giants third baseman.  Everybody else is depth or a prospect for the longer term future.

MLB:

Matt Chapman:  DOB:  4/28/1993.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 220 lbs.  Under Contract through 2030.

2026(MLB):  .235/.324/.368, 18 2B, 3B, 7 HR, 10.5 BB%, 23.0 K%, 352 PA. 

Casey Schmitt:  DOB:  3/1/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 215 lbs.  1 Option, Arb Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2030.

2026(MLB):  .271/.301/.483, 21 HR, 9 SB, 2.7 BB%, 19.8 K%, 409 PA.

Shay Whitcomb:  DOB: 9/28/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 202 lbs.  1 Option.  .085 Service Time.

2026(MLB- 2 teams):  .207/.233/.336, 4 HR, 2 SB, 3.3 BB%, 28.7 K%, 122 PA.

Brett Harris:  DOB:  6/24/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 208 lbs.  0 Options, .105 Service Time.

2026(MLB- 3 teams):  .136/.240/.182, 5.9 BB%, 31.4 K%, 51 PA.

If Chapman is healthy, he's the everyday third baseman and Schmitt will probably either be the leftfielder or traded for pitching.  If Schmitt is the LF, and Chapman gets hurt again, Schmitt can easily slide to 3B as organizational depth is better in the OF.  It's hard to see either Whitcomb or Harris survive the 40-man roster purge leading up to the Rule 5 Draft.  Christian Koss can play 3B in a pinch but generally need more bat at the position.

AAA:

Parks Harber:  DOB:  9/25/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 217 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(AA):  .284/.369/.510, 12 HR, 2 SB, 11.7 BB%, 24.5 K%, 298 PA.

2026(AAA):  .256/.348/.391, 6 HR, 3 SB, 11.6 BB%, 23.6 K%, 250 PA.

Harber's production fell off over the last month.  Does not need to be added to 40-man roster and can start next season in AAA.  Hopefully ready to come up by midseason if a need arises.

AA: 

Sabin Ceballos:  DOB:  8/17/2002.  B-R, T- R.  6' 2", 236 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .227/.356/.398, 18 HR, 11 SB, 14.3 BB%, 17.9 K%, 504 PA.

Development seems to have stalled.  Too many long slumps.

A+:

Walker Martin:  DOB:  2/20/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 215 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(A+):  .234/.353/.384, 18 HR, 20 SB, 10.7 BB%, 33.9 K%, 449 PA.

Martin's development has been painfully slow.  That strikeout rate is not what you want to see in A+ ball.

A:  

Luis Hernandez:  DOB:  12/13/2008.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 172 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2030.

2026(ACL):  .298/.382/.535, 6 HR, 6 SB, 11.0 BB%, 16.7 K%, 228 PA.

2026(A):  .231/.276/.319, 2 HR, 6.2 BB%, 29.6 K%, 98 PA.

Dario Reynoso:  DOB:  3/22/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 183 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A):  .274/.392/.483, 27 2B, 4 3B, 15 HR, 21 SB, 15.4 BB%, 33.3 K%, 462 PA.

Drew Smith:  DOB:  6/17/2003.  B- R, T-R.  6' 2", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(College):  .342/.425/.622, 16 HR, 5 SB, 11.0 BB%, 25.0 K%, 272 PA.

2026(A):  .333/.333/.622, HR, 11.0 BB%, 25.0 K%, 12 PA.

I'm listing Hernandez on the 3B depth chart because that's where he played when he and Josuar Gonzalez were on the field together.  I saw him make a big league throw from way behind the 3B bag.  Reynoso is deceptively big, wiry strong and plays hard.  High K rate is holding him back.  Drew Smith is an interesting draft prospect.  Will likely be the starting 3B for San Jose Giants next season with Luis Hernandez starting the season at SS.

Giants Organizational Dept Charts: Second Base

Second base is one of the more interesting positions for the Giants as they start the offseason without a true incumbent although there is no shortage of candidates on the current 40-man roster.  Let's break it down:

MLB:  

Marcelo Mayer:  DOB:  12/12/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 188 lbs.  3 Options, Arb Eligible 2029, Free Agent 2032.

2026(AAA):  .353/.421/.588, HR, 10.5 BB%, 47.4%, 19 PA.

2026(MLB-2 teams):  .209/.275/.295, 3 HR, 3 SB, 7.3 BB%, 20.8 K%, 245 PA.

Jonah Cox:  DOB:  8/4/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 204 lbs.  3 Options.  Arb Eligible 2029.  Free Agent 2032.

2026(AA):  .400/.453/.644, 11 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 27 SB, 8.7 BB%, 16.9 K%, 183 PA.

2026(AAA):  .468/.519/.660, 4 2B, 3B, HR, 7 SB, 9.6 BB%, 17.3 K%, 52 PA.

2026(MLB):  .252/.298/.384, 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 16 SB, 5.9 BB%, 38.5 K%, 169 PA.

Casey Schmitt:  DOB:  3/1/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 215 lbs.  1 Option.  Arb Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2030.

2026 MLB:  .271/.301/.483, 17 2B, 3B, 21 HR, 9 SB, 2.7 BB%, 19.8 K%, 409 PA.

Osleivis Basabe:  DOB:  9/13/2000.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 197 lbs.  1 Option.  Arb Eligible ?, Free Agent ?

2026(AAA):  .268/.344/388, 5 HR, 12 SB, 9.6 BB%, 10.9 K%, 311 PA.

2026(MLB):  .202/.268/.341, 5 HR, 2 SB, 6.3 BB%, 20.2 K%, 143 PA.

Christian Koss:  DOB:  1/27/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 185 lbs. 

2026(MLB):  .217/.257/.305, 6 2B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.1 BB%, 26.7 K%, 221 PA.

Nate Furman:  DOB:  7/23/2001.  B-L, T-R.  5' 8", 173 lbs.  

2026(AAA):  .293/.377/.414, 25 2B, 3B, 7 HR, 19 SB, 11.1 BB%, 11.8 K%, 468 PA

2026(MLB):  .125/.243/.125, 12.8 BB%, 25.6 K%, 39 PA.

Each of these 6 players has something going for them but there is probably not room on the 40-man roster for all 6.  Nate Furman will almost certainly be DFA'd when 40-man rosters are set for the Rule 5 Draft.  Basabe is on the bubble.  Jonah Cox is primarily an outfielder but showed surprising agility around the keystone and game-changing speed in a late-season audition.  Christian Koss is probably the best defensive shortstop so that gives him added defensive flexibility.  Second base is one of two positions where Casey Schmitt could play in a full time role but interestingly he is listed as an outfielder.  What struck me in Buster Posey's end-of-season interview with Alex Pavlovic if how convinced he seems that Marcelo Mayer is a true post-hype sleeper and a potential star.  It sure sounded to me and I think to  Alex and Cole Kuiper that the starting 2B job is his to lose in spring training.  

AAA:  

Diego Velasquez:  DOB:  10/1/203.  B-S, T-R.  6' 0", 208 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2026(AA):  .295/.384/.406, 19 2B, 4 HR, 21 SB, 11.1 BB%, 16.5 K%, 334 PA.

2026(AAA):  .283/.381/.400, 12 2B, 3B, SB, 12.0 BB%, 19.7 K%, 142 PA.

Velasquez seems like the forgotten prospect.  I could see a savvy GM grabbing him in the Rule 5 Draft.

AA:  

Dayson Croes:  DOB:  10/8/1999.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 199 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(AA):  .277/.336/.371, 14 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 6 SB, 6.8 BB%, 12.4 K%, 307 PA.

2026(AAA):  .280/.341/.387, 5 2B, HR, 2 SB, 5.7 BB%, 10.3 K%, 87 PA.

Kaeden Kent:  DOB:  8/29/2003.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A+- 2 teams):  .298/.350/.440, 24 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 24 SB, 7.5 BB%, 16.0 K%, 400 PA.

Croes is a hit machine but not much power.  Gotta think Kaeden Kent is going to get every chance to advance in the organization.  He's tearing it up in early Arizona Fall League competition.

A+:  

Isaiah Barkett:  DOB:  11/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 191 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .331/.411/.474, 23 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 18 SB, 11.4 K%, 8.2 BB%, 341 PA

2026(A+):  .297/.381/.405, 2B, HR, SB, 9.5 BB%, 9.5 K%, 42 PA.

Showed tremendous bat control and contact skills with limited power over two levels.  

A:  

Lorenzo Meola:  DOB:  12/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .273/.314/.470, 40 2B, 5 3B, 15 HR, 9.5 BB%, 24.3 K%, 549 PA.

Luke Nixon:  DOB:  10/1/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 165 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(College):  .367/.452, 595, 16 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 11 SB, 12.1 BB%, 14.0 K%, 257 PA.

2026(A):  .213/.315/.277, 3 2B, 2 SB, 13.0 BB%, 20.4 K%, 54 PA.

We've talked about how Meola's bat improved over the course of the season.  He should move up to A+ with Luke "Son of Trot" Nixon starting next season in San Jose.

ACL:

Yulian Barreto:  DOB:  9/20/2007.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(ACL):  .242/.331/.329, 5 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 5 SB, 8.1 BB%, 25.4 K%, 173 PA.

Signed in the same international class as Josuar Gonzalez.  Will probably start next season back in the ACL.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: First Base

Barring injury, the Giants depth chart at both first base and designated hitter is set in stone.  Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge, and they are set for years to come so prospective first basemen coming along in the farm system are likely auditioning to be included in future trades.  

MLB:  

Rafael Devers:  DOB:  10/24/1996.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 235 lbs.  Under Contract through 2033.

2026(MLB):   .258/.340/.525, 36 2B, 37 HR, 10.9 BB%, 25.4 K%, 633 PA.  

Bryce Eldridge:  DOB:  10/20/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 7", 251 lbs.  Arbitration Eligible 2029, Free Agent 2033.

2026(AAA):  .333/.445/.518, 5 HR, 14.6 BB%, 29.9 K%, 137 PA

2026(MLB):  .269/.364/.461, 23 2B, 17 HR, 13.2 BB%, 26.6 K%, 448 PA.

The Giants don't have to worry about 1B/DH until at least 2033.  The only way it would be more perfect is if one of Devers/Eldridge batted RH.  There is also a risk of Devers production falling off in the later years of his contract.  Casey Schmitt, Jesus Rodriguez or Victor Bericoto could play the position in a pinch.

AAA:  

Charlie Szykowny:  DOB:  6/30/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6' 4", 236 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .252/.317/.417, 14 HR, 11 SB, 7.5 BB%, 20.5 K%, 482 PA.

2026(AAA):  .243/.264/.371, HR, 1.4 BB%, 13.9 K%, 72 PA.

If I remember right Szykowny was drafted as a shortstop.  Now mostly a 1B.  Power showed up at A+ level in 2025.  Struggled in a small sample after promotion to AAA.  

AA:  

Sabin Ceballos:  DOB:  8/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 236 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .227/.356/.398, 18 HR, 11 SB, 14.3 BB%, 17.9 K%, 504 PA.

Zander Darby:  DOB:  11/26/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 218 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A+):  .278/.343/.486, 18 HR, 10 SB, 8.3 BB%, 31.3 K%, 432 PA.

2026(AA):  .250/.300/.250, 20.0 BB%, 40.0 K%, 30 PA.

Ceballos is a classic 3-true outcomes guy who is prone to extended slumps.  Hard to see a future in the organization.  Darby was drafted as a SS but is now more of a 1B.  Good hitter who will be blocked at 1B/DH.

A+:

Jakob Christian:  DOB:  9/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 232 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

A+:  .253/.371/.484, 9 HR, 12.9 BB%, 32.6 K%, 224 PA.  

Hayden Jatczak:  DOB:  8/18/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 4", 237 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .295/.395/.500, 9 HR, 6 SB, 14.2 BB%, 17.7 K%, 310 PA.

2026(A+):  .284/.364/.372, 3 HR, 3 SB, 13.0 BB%, 19.5 K%, 154 PA.

Robert Hipwell:  DOB:  3/6/2003.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 223 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A+):  .210/.352/.395, 8 HR, 2 SB, 16.3 BB%, 38.1 K%, 252 PA.

Jatczak makes more contact than Christian or Hipwell and will probably go the farthest but may end up as more of a 4-A guy.

A:  

Jeremiah Jenkins:  DOB:  5/5/2003.  B-L, T-L.  6' 3", 261 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A):  .226/.356/.439, 17 HR, 15.1 BB%, 29.1 K%, 464 PA.  

Huge.  3-true outcomes.  Limited ceiling.

ACL:

Evan Estevez:  DOB:  8/14/2007.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 213 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .239/.345/.410, 7 HR, 3 SB, 13.1 BB%, 38.0 K%, 221 PA.

Carlos Concepcion:  DOB:  1/6/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 189 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(ACL):  .238/.315/.364, 4 HR, 7.7 BB%, 38.5 K%, 169 PA.

Both these guys have a long way to go. Not a great sign that both are mostly playing 1B.

Thoughts on the Postseason

A couple of thoughts on the postseason so far.  To my eye postseason teams have two common denominators:  1.  They have multiple pitchers who throw 100+ MPH.  2.  They have multiple lefty relievers.   That's all.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Catcher

 One of the oddest events of a season full of odd events was Patrick Bailey's trade to the Cleveland Guardians on May 9 for Matt Wilkinson LHP.  It's still not clear why Buster Posey made that trade, but it came after an odd at bat in which a Giants pitcher threw something like 9 straight sliders and subsequent rumors of friction between the coaches and Bailey over calling pitches from the bench.  Even odder was word after the trade that Giants pitchers were now allowed to call games themselves and performances noticeably improved.  Whatever the case, the Giants catching depth chart went from having a clear #1 to catcher competition which was complicated by injuries to Daniel Susac and Jesus Rodriguez.  

MLB:

Daniel Susac:  DOB:  5/14/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 210 lbs.  3 Options, Arb Eligible 2029, Free Agent 3032.

2026(AAA):  .464/.545/.821, 2B, 3 HR, 2 SB, 9.1 BB%, 6.1 K%, 33 PA.

2026(MLB):  .243/.289/.375, 8 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 2 SB, 5.0 BB%, 22.3 K%, 161 PA.

Drew Cavanaugh:  DOB:  1/27/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 219 lbs.  3 Options, Arb Eligible 2030, Free Agent 2033.

2026(AA):  .279/.456/.515, 7 2B, 3 HR, 3 SB, 18.9 BB%, 23.3 K%, 90 PA.

2026(AAA):  .311/.449/.550, 9 2B, 6 HR, 13.1 BB%, 24.8 K%, 137 PA.

2026(MLB):  .229/.315/.292, 4 2B, 3B, HR, SB, 10.8 BB%, 30.1 K%, 166 PA.

Jesus Rodriguez:  DOB:  4/23/2002, B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 201 lbs.  1 Option, Arb Eligible 2030, Free Agent 2033.  

2026(AAA):  .268/.347/.397, 10 2B, 5 HR, 7 SB, 10.7 BB%, 11.6 K%, 225 PA.

2026(MLB:  .235/.316/.412, 3 2B, 2 HR, SB, 8.6 BB%, 13.8 K%, 58 PA.

 

Andrew Knizner and Zach Morgan are also currently on the 40-man MLB roster.  Both will likely be dropped before the deadline to set the roster before the Rule 5 Draft.  It appears Susac, Cavanaugh and Rodriguez will compete for 2 of 3 catcher spots on the 2027 Opening Day roster.  They all have some positional flexibility so it would not be shocking to see all 3 make it.  All things being equal, Cavanaugh will have the edge for playing time due to batting left handed.

AAA:  

Adrian Sugastey:  DOB:  10/23/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 213 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(ACL):  .355/.429/.484, HR, 8.6 BB%, 2.9 K%, 35 PA.

2026(AA):  .275/.323/.392, 2 HR, 2 SB, 5.9 BB%, 11.9 K%, 135 PA.

2026(AAA):  .289/.355/.422, 3 HR, 8.4 BB%, 9.5 K%, 95 PA.

Fernando Gonzalez:  DOB:  12/2/2001.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 205 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2027.

2026(ACL):  .364/.563/.818, HR, 25.0 BB%, 6.3 K%, 16 PA.

2026(A):  .232/.357/.304, 2 HR, SB, 11.9 BB%, 8.3 K%, 168 PA.

2026(AAA):  .280/.438/.480, HR, 17.6 BB%, 32.4 K%, 34 PA.

I could see a team looking for a back up catcher on the cheap grabbing Sugastey in the Rule 5 Draft.  Giants don't have enough room on the 40-man roster to protect him.  If he is not drafted, he should start the season in AAA and serve as depth for the MLB roster. Gonzalez is listed on the AAA roster but was a late organizational fill-in.  He may start next season in A+.

AA:  

Jancel Villaroel:  DOB:  1/17/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 8", 202 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(A+):  .305/.376/.480, 7 HR, 5.6 BB%, 18.2 K%, 198 PA.

2026(AA):  .200/.281/.308, 2 HR, 3 SB, 8.7 BB%, 18.8 K%, 138 PA.

Onil Perez:  DOB:  9/10/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 226 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2026(A+):  .256/.315/.388, 3 HR, 3 SB, 7.0 BB%, 15.4 K%, 143 PA.

2026(AA):  .207/.294/.276, 8.8 BB%, 14.7 K%, 34 PA.

Ty Hanchey:  DOB:  12/19/1999.  B-L, T-R.  5' 9", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(A+):  .289/341/.526, 2 HR, 4.9 BB%, 31.7 K%, 41 PA.

2026(AA):  .246/.335/.374, 4 HR, 10.5 BB%, 29.2 K%, 209 PA.

Villarroel was acquired from the Astros for Kai-Wei Teng in the offseason.  He put up strong numbers in A+ before struggling at AA.  Ty Hanchey was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.  Held his own at AA and lefty batting catchers should get extra leash.  Onil Perez seems to have hit his ceiling at AA.  

A+:

Daniel Rogers:  DOB:  12/7/2001.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .275/.393/.549, 4 HR, 13.1 BB%, 24.6 K%, 61 PA.

2026(A+):  .233/.333/.345, 2 HR, 13.0 BB%, 33.33 K%, 138 PA.

Charlie Muniz:  DOB:  10/25/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 220 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(Ind): .361/.470/.656, 27 HR, 14.7 BB%, 17.3 K%, 428 PA.

2026(A+):  .067/.176/.267, HR, 11.8 BB%, 47.1 K%, 17 PA.

A couple of undrafted free agents from the college class of 2025 with intriguing bats.  

A:  

Rod Barajas Jr.:  DOB:  7/12/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .265/.346/.462, 13 HR, 9.4 BB%, 21.4 K%, 384 PA.

Scott Gell:  DOB:  10/23/2004.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(College):  .303/.377/.447, 3 HR, 7.7 BB%, 10.9 K%, 156 PA.

2026(Smr):  .242/.333/.288, 2B, 3B, 10.7 BB%, 38.7 K%, 75 PA.

2026(A):  .000/.111/.000, 11.1 BB%, 22.2 K%, 9 PA.

Rod Barajas Jr. is probably the best catching prospect in the system.  Big potential in the lefty bat.  Gell was signed as an undrafted free agent after the draft.  

ACL:

Santiago Camacho:  DOB:  1/27/2007.  B-S, T-R.  5' 10", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .258/.340/.438, 5 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 11.7 BB%, 20.4 K%, 103 PA.

Yohendry Sanchez:  DOB:  11/9/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 229 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .311/.468/.393, 5 2B, 3 SB, 21.5 BB%, 8.9 K%, 79 PA.  

Switch-hitting catchers are rare.  Fun Fact:  Yohendry Sanchez got a bigger signing bonus than Jhonny Level.  

ACL Giants 2026 Season Review

 The ACL Giants finished with a record of 34-26 good for 2'nd place in the ACL East and tied for 5'th overall in the league.  That did not get them into the ACL postseason.  The ACL roster started out with mostly DSL graduates.  A few players drafted in 2026 were worked in as the season wound down.  Most of the drafted players did not accumulate enough appearances to qualify as stat leaders.  

Teams Stats:  

Batting:

BA:  .266(6)

OBP:  .369(11)

SLG%:  .418(6)

Hits:  485(5)

Doubles: 97(7)

Triples:  19(10)

HR:  47(9)

Runs:  346(9)

Walks:  257(12)

Strikeouts: 532(5)

SB:  78(9)

My Take:  Again we see the pattern of high contact, low walks and low-middling power which comes up a bit short on runs.  

Pitching: 

ERA: 4.90(2)

HR(41(3)

Walks:  236(2)

Strikeouts:  564(8)

WHIP:  1.47(2)

GO/AO:  1.21(5)

Saves:  17(2)

Overall a good pitching performance in a pretty extreme hitter's league.

Individual Stats:

Batting(100+ AB for rate stats):

BA:  Luis Hernandez- .298, Anthony Marquez- 243, Yulian Barreto- .242.

OBP:  Luis Hernandez- .382, Luis Frias- .362, Anthony Marquez- .352.

SLG%:  Luis Hernandez- .535, Evan Estevez- .410, Carlos Concepcion- .364.

Hits:  Luis Hernandez- 59, Evan Estevez- 45, Anthony Marquez- 41.

Doubles:  Luis Hernandez- 19, Oliver Tejada- 9, Carlos Concepcion/Josuar Gonzalez/Anthony Marquez- 7.

Triples:  Luis Hernandez- 5, Evan Estevez- 3, Anthony Marquez- 3

HR: Evan Estevez- 7, Luis Hernandez- 6, Rayner Arias/Carlos Concepcion- 4

Runs:  Evan Estevez- 36, Luis Hernandez- 35, Luis Frias- 33

RBI:  Luis Hernandez- 45, Evan Estevez- 27, Luis Frias- 26

SB: Luis Frias- 16, Anthony Marquez- 11, Josuar Gonzalez- 8.

My Take:  Josuar Gonzalez came in just short of 100 AB at 99 but had a dominant slash line of .343/.451/.515.  Top Prospect in the system with the graduation of Bryce Eldridge.  Luis Hernandez was the rare 17 yo interrnational prospect to make his pro debut in the ACLand also dominated.

Pitching(20+ IP for rate stats):

Wins:  Jose G. Gonzalez- 6, Carlos De La Rosa- 4, Brayan Narvaez- 4

ERA:  Samir Chires- 2.08, Jose T. Perez- 4.09, Leandro Rodriguez- 4.18

Innings:  Leandro Rodriguez- 47.1, Carlos De La Rosa- 44, Luke Mensik- 40.1

Strikeouts:  Leandro Rodriquez- 58, Melvin Pineda- 54, Carlos De La Rosa/Marlon Franco- 47.

WHIP:  Leandro Rodriguez- 1.06, Brayan Narvaez- 1.19, Samir Chires- 1.19

GO/AO:  Jose G. Gonzalez- 2.07, Carlos De La Rosa- 1.68, Marlon Franco- 1.67, Luke Mensik- 1.66.

Hard to make too much of any of this. I saw Leandro Rodriguez pitch in the Cal League Championship Series.  He's a big lefty with a sidearm delivery, max velocity I saw was 92 MPH.  I think can be a lefty reliever at the MLB level.

A San Jose Giants 2026 Season Review

 The San Jose Giants finished in first place in the California League North Division in both the first and second halves of the season.  They defeated the Stockton Ports in the division series but then lost to the Lake Elsinore Storm in the championship series.  

Team Stats:

Batting:  

BA:  .276(2)

OBP:  .367(3)

SLG%:  .456(2)

Hits:  1269(2)

Doubles:  .279(1)

Triples:  48(2)

HR:  151(2)

Runs(897(1)

Walks:  587(5)

Strikeouts:  1225(3)

SB:  191(4)

My Take:  Strong batting stats across the board but again their lowest ranking was in walks.

Pitching:

ERA:  4.79(1)

Hits:  1087(1)

HR:  130(4)

Walks:  534(2)

Strikeouts:  1273(5)

GO/AO:  0.93(8)

My Take:  I thought the SJ Giants had a terrible year for pitching so was surprised to find they had the lowest ERA in the Cal League and the only one under 5.00.  Hard to make too much out of the rest of the stats.  

Individual Stats:

Batting(200+ AB for rate stats):

BA:  Isaiah Barkett- .331, Hayden Jatczak- .295, Damian Bravo- .291.

OBP:  Isaiah Barkett- .411, Hayden Jatczak- .395, Dario Reynoso- .392

SLG%:  Damian Bravo- .509, Hayden Jatczak- .500, Cam Maldonado- .484.

Hits:  Lorenzo Meola- 128, Andy Polanco- 105, Dario Reynoso- 105

Doubles:  Lorenzo Meola- 40, Dario Reynoso- 27, Junior Barajas/Jeremiah Jenkins- 24.

Triples:  Andy Polanco- 9, Josuar Gonzalez- 6, Lorenzo Meola- 5

Home Runs:  Jeremiah Jenkins- 17, Lorenzo Meola- 15, Dario Reynoso- 15

Runs:  Lorenzo Meola- 93, Dario Reynoso- 81, Jeremiah Jenkins- 63.

RBI:  Lorenzo Meola- 78, Dario Reynoso- 69, Jeremiah Jenkins- 62.

Steals:  Andy Polanco- 38, Dario Reynoso- 21, Isaiah Barkett- 18.

My Take:  The biggest stories of the SJ season were from players who did not accumulate enough AB's to be stat leaders, Jhonny Level who batted .325 in 191 AB and performed about as well after moving up to A+.  Josuar Gonzalez batted .357 after moving up from the ACL and 17 yo Luis Hernandez had some moments but ended up batting .231 in 91 AB.  I could see Jhonny Level moving up to AA next season with Gonzalez in A+ and Hernandez, still a young 18 yo, back in San Jose.  Lorenzo Meola started the season very slow but batted .324 in July and .343 in August.  17'th round draft pick Tanner Mally batted .383 in in 81 AB in his pro debut.  Other draftees to see playing time were Luke Nixon and Peyton Bonds.

Pitching(50+ IP for rate stats):

Wins:  Jordan Gottesman- 7, Evan Gray- 7, Dylan Carter/Bradyon Risley- 6

Innings:  Jordan Gottesman- 102.1, Keyner Martinez- 93.2, Ricardo Estrada- 91.2

ERA:  Jordan Gottesman- 3.96, Ricardo Estrada- 4.12, Keyner Martinez- 4.61.

Strikeouts:  Keyner Martinez- 134, Jordan Gottesman- 111, Ricardo Estrada- 85.

Walks:  Ricardo Estrada- 52, Fernando Vasquez- 49, Keyner Martinez- 47.

My Take:  I saw Keyner Martinez pitch 3 times.  In all 3 games he looked great until he had to pitch out of the stretch then things fell apart quickly.  Jordan Gottesman has some room to fill out and could gain velocity with maturity.  Argenis Cayama had a terrific start in the championship series on his 20'th birthday 5 no-hit innings with 7 K's.  He is probably the best pitching prospect for this year's SJ Giants team.

A+ Eugene Emeralds 2026 Season Review

The Ems dominated the NWL regular season winning both halves although they squeaked past Vancouver Canadians by just 0.5 games in the second half.  They then lost the Championship series 2 games to 0.  

Team Stats:

Batting:

BA:  .270(1)

OBP:  .351(3)

SLG%:  .449(2)

Hits:  1199(1)

Doubles:  272(1)

Triples:  16(6)

HR:  164(2)

BB:  517(6)

Strikeouts:  1220(3)

SB:  45(4)

Runs:  771(2)

RBI:  716(2)

My Take:  Another organizational team finished dead last in walks.  In this case it did not seem to harm their run production as they finished 2'nd in Runs.  

Pitching:

ERA:  4.53(1)

Strikeouts:  1248(2)

Walks:  602(4)

WHIP:  1.42(2)

GO/AO:  1.11(4)

Saves:  35(1)

My Take:  Again a little high on the walks but otherwise good numbers in a hitter-friendly environment.

Individual Stats:

Batting(200+ AB for Rate Stats):

BA:  Jhonny Level- .302, Trevor Cohen- .297, Dakota Jordan- .290.

OBP:  Trevor Cohen- .387, Carlos Gutierrez- .385, Jhonny Level- .363.

SLG%:  Dakota Jordan CF- .533, Lisbel Diaz- .531, Zander Darby- .486.

Hits:  Zander Darby- 108, Trevor Cohen- 97, Lisbel Diaz- 97.

Doubles:  Gavin Kilen- 27, Trevor Cohen- 26, Zander Darby/Jhonny Level- 25.

Triples:  Carlos Gutierrez- 3, Trevor Cohen/Lisbel Diaz/Jancel Villaroel- 2

HR:  Lisbel Diaz- 21, Zander Darby/Dakota Jordan/Walker Martin- 18.

Walks:  Carlos Gutierrez- 54, Trevor Cohen/Walker Martin- 48.

SB:  Trevor Cohen- 26, Carlos Gutierrez- 26, Walker Martin- 20.

My Take:  Good season for Ems hitters both as a team and as individuals.  Jhonny Level more than holding his own after a midseason promotion at age 19 is huge.  Gavin Kilen was a doubles machine and had sneaky solid numbers before a promotion and he continued to put up similar numbers in AA.  Dakota Jordan's combination of batting for both average and power is encouraging.  A late season injury kept him from testing himself at AA.  Lisbel Diaz showed impressive power and did not turn 21 until 7/19.  He seems like an underrated prospect.  

Pitching(50+ IP for Rate Stats):

Wins:  Jacob Bresnahan- 7, Cade Vernon- 7, Yunior Marte/Niko Mazza/Esmerlin Vinicio- 6

Innings:  Hunter Dryden- 106.2, Luis De La Torre- 100.2, Jacob Bresnahan- 98.2

ERA- Jacob Bresnahan- 2.92, Esmerlin Vinicio- 3.14, Niko Mazza- 4.15.

Strikeouts:  Luis De La Torre- 126, Jacob Bresnahan- 118, Hunter Dryden- 114.

Walks:  Luis De La Torre- 82, Niko Mazza- 55, Hunter Dryden- 51

WHIP:  Jacob Bresnahan- 1.04, Tyler Switalski- 1.26, Esmerlin Vinicio- 1.28.

GO/AO:  Cade Vernon- 1.98, Esmerlin Vinicio- 1.88, Niko Mazza- 1.16

Saves:  Ryan Slater- 8, Liam Simon- 7, Esmerlin Vinicio- 5

My Take:  Bresnahan is probably the top prospect although Yunior Marte made it all the way to the majors.  Bresnahan struggled some after a promotion to AA.  Too many walks continue to be a problem for too many pitching prospects.

AA Richmond Flying Squirrels 2026 Season Review

 The AA Richmond Flying Squirrels won the Eastern League Southwest Division first half and quite handily with the best record on the EL, 43-25.  They then stumbled to 31-36 and 5'th place in the second half probably due to promotions up to AAA and up from A+.  The Squirrels had a total of 61 players appear in games over the season. They then lost the EL Division Series 2 games to 0.  

Team Stats: 

Batting:

BA:  .264(1)

OBP:  .345(11)

SLG%:  .411(7)

Hits:  1189(3)

Doubles:  .235(5)

Triples:  30(3)

HR:  122(12)

Walks:  503(10)

Strikeouts:  1079(1-fewest)

SB:  204(4)

Runs:  707(6)

My Take:  We again see the Buster Effect:  High contact, low walks, low power.  Mid-pack in run production.  

Pitching:  

ERA:  5.10(10)

Shut Outs:  11(1)

Home Runs:  160(9)

Walks(12- Most)

Strikeouts:  1250(6)

GO/AO:  0.89(11)

My Take:  The 5.10 ERA was well deserved as the pitching gave up the most walks in the league, did not keep the ball on the ground and gave up a lot of home runs.

Individual Stats:

Batting(200+ AB for Rate Stats):

BA:  Trevor Cohen- .300, Diego Velasquez- .295, Parks Harber- .284.

OBP:  Diego Velasquez- .384, Parks Harber- .369, Sabin Ceballos- .356.

SLG%:  Bo Davidson- .521, Parks Harber- .510, Charlie Szykowny- .417.

Hits:  Charlie Szykowny 1B- 109, Sabin Ceballos- 94, Maui Ahuna- 89.

Doubles:  Charlie Szykowny- 21, Parks Harber- 20, Diego Velasquez 2B- 19.

Triples:  Jonah Cox RF- 5, Charlie Szykowny- 4, Maui Ahuna/Dayson Croes/Gavin Kilen- 3

Home Runs:  Bo Davidson 19, Sabin Ceballos- 18, Charlie Szykowny- 14.

Runs:  Sabin Ceballos- 69, Maui Ahuna- 63, Charlie Szykowny- 61.

RBI:  Sabin Ceballos- 57, Bo Davidson- 53, Charlie Szykowny- 53.

Steals:  Maui Ahuna- 31, Jonah Cox- 27, Diego Velasquez- 21.

My Take:  Despite counting stats near the top of several categories, Maui Ahuna and Sabin Ceballos had BA's in the .220's.  Ceballos is a true 3-true outcomes guy but does that play at higher levels?  Bo Davidson is the top prospect here.  Gavin Kilen had a sneaky good season with a slash line of .297/.343/.469 in 128 AB after putting up a similar line in A+ ball.

Pitching(50+ IP for Rate Stats):

Wins:  Tyler Vogel- 9, Jack Choate- 6, 4 pitchers- 5

ERA- Joe Whitman- 3.22, Tyler Vogel- 3.25, Yunior Marte- 3.92.

Saves:  Tyler Vogel- 16, Cristian Alvarado- 5, Mitch White- 5.

Strikeouts:  Greg Farone- 107, Trystan Vrieling- 98, Cesar Perdomo- 89.

WHIP:  Joe Whitman- .97, Cesar Perdomo- 1.11, Shane Rademacher- 1.11.

GO/AO:  Manuel Mercedes- 1.34, Tyler Vogel- 1.31, Joe Whitman- 1.19.

My Take:  Not a super-inspiring group.  Yunior Marte and Cesar Perdomo made it to the Giants and did not embarrass themselves.  Joe Whitman should be added to the 40-man roster over the winter and get a shot next season.  Tyler Vogel is on the Closer Track.  That is often not a successful path to the major leagues.

AAA Sacramento River Cats 2026 Season Review

 The mission of most team's AAA teams is generally 2-fold:  "Finishing school" for prospects and an extended bench for the MLB team.  The Sacramento River Cats fulfilled both parts and did it well as 51 players played for both teams and several of them look to have long term roles for the Giants.  The River Cats started off strong finishing second in the PCL West in the first half with a 42-30 record.  After numerous promotions to the Giants and from AA, they slipped to third place in the second half at 37-38.  Over the full season they had the second best record in the PCL West and the third best overall.  Let's break down the team stats and individual stat leaders for the season. 

Team Stats(league ranking in parentheses):

Batting:

BA:  .278(4)

OBP:  .361(5)

SLG%:  .427(8)

Runs:  822(6)

Hits:  1400(5)

Doubles:  282(5)

Triples:  25(8)

Home Runs:  138(9)

RBI:  773(6)

Walks:  591(10)

Strikeouts:  992(1-fewest). The next fewest K's was 1157 so quite a large gap.

HBP:  91(3)

Sac:  33(3)

Sac Fly:  63(1)

My Take:  We see an even more extreme stat pattern reflecting Buster's image, best in league in K's and worst in walks with lower power numbers.  

Pitching:

ERA:  4.67(3)

HR:  133(2-fewest)

Walks:  643(6)

Strikeouts:  1222(5)

Saves:  34(3)

Save Ops:  51(8).

GO/AO:  1.03(6)  

My Take:  Nothing To See Here.  Kind of middling for all stats probably reflecting the use of 24 pitchers over the season. 

Individual Stats:

Batting:  200+ AB for rate stats.

BA:  Turner Hill- .353, Scott Bandura- .318, Bo Davidson- .309.

OBP:  Turner Hill- .420, Scott Bandura- .398, Bo Davidson- .389.

SLG%:  Bo Davidson- .534, Turner Hill- .529, Scott Bandura- .492.

Hits:  Scott Bandura- 117, Nate Furman- 117, Will Brennan- 114, Turner Hill- 114.

Doubles:  Scott Bandura- 28, Nate Furman- 25, Will Brennan- 24.

Triples:  Turner Hill- 4, Scott Bandura- 3, Will Brennan- 3.

HR:  Will Brennan- 11, Scott Bandura- 10, Bo Davidson- 10

Runs:  Scott Bandura- 71, Turner Hill- 65, Nate Furman- 63

RBI:  Will Brennan- 63, Scott Bandura- 62, Turner Hill- 60.

SB:  Scott Bandura- 24, Turner Hill- 23, Nate Furman- 19.

My Take:  Mostly similar names mostly due to number of AB's.  Of the guys who logged the most AB's, Turner Hill showed the most at the MLB level.  Bo Davidson is the top prospect.  Others who were not on the team as long but impressed at the MLB level include Drew Cavanaugh, Jonah Cox and of course Bryce Eldridge.  

Pitching:  30 IP for rate stats.

Wins:  Cesar Perdomo- 7, Wilkin Ramos- 6, Carson Whisenhunt- 6.

ERA(relievers):  Ryan Walker- 2.52, Michael Fulmer- 2.98, Trent Harris- 3.12.

ERA(Starters):    Joe Whitman- 3.74, Carson Whisenhunt- 4.15, Blade Tidwell- 4.38

Saves:  Michael Fulmer- 10, Eric Cerantola- 6, Carson Seymour- 4.

K/9(relievers):  Trent Harris- 11.60, Michael Fulmer- 11.06

K/9(starters):  Carson Whisenhunt- 9.84, Blade Tidwell- 9.75, Joe Whitman- 7.36, Cesar Perdomo- 6.80.

My Take:  Again, not much in the way of takeaways.  A bit curious why Michael Fulmer never got his shot at The Churn.  Maybe the reason Joe Whitman never got a call was his low K/9 but Cesar Perdomo's was worse.  Beyond that, the cupboard was pretty much emptied out at AAA level.  There are some promising pitching prospects at lower levels, bolstered by the 2026 draft but overall organizational pitching is thinner than hitting.

Giants 2026 Season Review: By the Numbers(Part II)

We'll continue our numbers review with a look at team leaders:

Hitting(300+ AB for rate stats):

 BA:  Luis Arraez- .324, Jung Hoo Lee- .276, Casey Schmitt- .271.

OBP:  Bryce Eldridge- .364, Luis Arraez- .360, Rafael Devers- .340.

SLG%:  Rafael Devers- .525, Casey Schmitt- .483, Bryce Eldridge- .461.

Hits:  Jung Hoo Lee- 149, Rafael Devers- 144, Luis Arraez- 136.

Doubles:  Rafael Devers- 36, Jung Hoo Lee- 31, Willy Adames- 25.

Triples:  Luis Arraez- 7, Jung Hoo Lee- 4, Drew Gilbert/Heliot Ramos- 3.

HR:  Rafael Devers- 37, Willy Adames- 21, Casey Schmitt- 21.

Runs:  Rafael Devers- 88, Jung Hoo Lee- 65, Willy Adames- 62.

RBI:  Rafael Devers- 98, Bryce Eldridge- 57, Jung Hoo Lee- 57.

My Take(s):  Can we bring Luis Arraez back?  The Giants desperately need Casey Schmitt's righthanded bat in the lineup. They just need to figure out where he's going to play.  Jung Hoo Lee was pretty good until a late season collapse.  Would he benefit from being a platoon player or more of a utility OF?  Willy Adames had an outside shot at another 30 HR season before his elbow injury took him out but severe contact issues and terrible defense, possibly due to a chronic back condition, more than negated his power.  Looking ahead, there is too much uncertainty from too many players making too much money who may be blocking younger, cheaper and better options.

Pitching)50+IP for rate stats): 

Wins:  Robbie Ray- 10, Landen Roupp- 9, Logan Webb- 8.

ERA:  Robbie Ray- 3.08, J. T. Brubaker- 3.60, Landen Roupp- 4.01.

Quality Starts:  Logan Webb- 17, Landen Roupp- 11, Robbie Ray- 9

Saves:  Caleb Kilian- 8, Erik Miller- 4, Dylan Smith- 4.

My Take:  Beyond the obvious need for a proven Closer, the Rotation is a shambles and there are not enough young pitchers to stand in the gap.  With Ray gone and the miles starting to take their toll on Logan Webb, Roupp might be the staff ace and yikes!  I'm seeing a need for at least 2 above average SP's as possibly more of an offseason need than a Closer.  I mean, a Closer is not going to do much good if the rest of the staff can't give him a lead in the 9'th inning.

Giants 2026 Season Review: By the Numbers(Part I)

Despite hiring a college field manager with no professional experience on any level and a curious lack of upgrades to the bullpen, the Giants came into the 2026 season with an expectation of being no worse than the 2025 team and possibly enough wins more to sneak into a postseason berth.  POBO Buster Posey's stated goal for the offseason was improving team defense and he went after that by hiring defensive coaching wizard, Ron Washington and by signing CF Harrison Bader.  Those moves combined with a full season of Rafael Devers and the expected graduation of Bryce Eldridge plus the contact hitting of Luis Arraez gave hope of both run scoring and run prevention upgrades to the roster.  

Then came Opening Day and the opening series against the Yankees and a near total obliteration in every phase of the game.  The Giants scored just 1 run in 27 innings on 13 hits only 4 of which came in the first two games which were shutouts.  It was the Yankees but the shock and awe of it all left a lot of people, including me, with a deep sense of foreboding about the rest of the season.  The Giants traveled south and took 2 of 3 from the Padres then win the first game of a4-game weekend series agains the Mets and we all breathed a sigh of relief.  Maybe the faceplant in the Yankee series was just a small sample fluke against a tough opponent.  Then they lost the next 3 to the Mets and the first game of the next series against the Phillies. They were now 3-8 and the season went downhill from there.  

The 2026 Giants never won more than 3 games in a row.  There was a sweep in Philadelphia at the end of April including double walk-off losses in a doubleheader followed by a sweep to the Rays in Tampa Bay a dropped series to the Padres at home.  That was a 1-8 stretch and the season was all but over.  Another low point in May came after a double sweep to the D'Backs in successive weeks.  I could go on.....and on and on.  

By the end of the season, the Giants had tied a record for most players used in a season at 71, more than in any of the FZ years and The Churn.  If I am not mistaken, Christian Koss was the only player from the Opening Day active roster who was also on the season finale active roster and even he missed some time with an injury.  At least Buster Posey got a nice prospect haul from a full on sell at the trade deadline.  

Let's break it down and look at some numbers starting with some Team Stats then individual team leaders(League Rankings in parentheses):

Batting:

BA:  .245(15)

OBP:  .306(29)

SLG%:  .400(13)

OPS:  .706(23)

Runs:  669(26)

Hits:  1341(13)

Doubles:  262(9)

Triples:  26(6)

Home Runs:  178(20)

Walks:  449(30)

Strikeouts:  1342(14)

SB:  88(22)

My Take:  Giants batters tested Buster Posey's theory about swinging for contact but paid a brutal price with a cratered walk rate which proved to be the run production killer analytic models say it is.

Pitching:  

ERA:  4.33(23)

HR:  160(4)

Walks:  596(25)

Strikeouts:  1204(27)

WHIP:  1.36(24)

BA:  .248(13)

Saves:  30(29)

Save Ops:  57(27T)

Blown Saves:  27(10)- ranked most to least

My Take:  We see a mirror image of the batting stats with the pitchers doing a decent job limiting hits and home runs but getting killed by too many walks.  And I have mentioned this several times and nobody seems to pay any attention:  Yes, the bullpen was #29 in Saves but they were also tied for #27 in Save Ops so while the bullpen was indeed terrible at saving games, the Giants were also terrible at giving them Save opportunities which I think tells us that the Giants won't be fixed by simply adding a reliable Closer.  The problem is much bigger than that.

Game Wrap 9/27/2026: Dodgers 5 Giants 1(10 innings)

Christian Koss hit an apparent game-winning home run leading off the bottom of the 8'th inning only to have it ruled a foul ball on instant replay.  That allowed the Dodgers to break through for 4 runs in the top of the 10'th inning to complete a sweep of the final series of the season.  Key Lines:

Maybe it's fitting to say Nothing To See Here.  The Giants lineup managed just 5 singles and a walk while the pitching side was a bullpen game with Braxton Roxby's 1.2 innings the longest stint.  

So the Giants awful, very bad, no good 2026 season comes to an end.  This is an organization in need of a lot of soul searching.  It should be an interesting offseason, likely complicated by a lockout starting in December.  

As I have shared, the past year was extremely difficult for me on a personal level.  Despite the Giants discouraging performance this season, the almost daily games and subsequent blog posts and banter in the comments gave me something to look forward to each day and provided structure to my life.  Days with no game could get long and quiet.  I will continue to find things to write about through the offseason and fill the gap with other interests and hobbies and a great circle of supportive friends and family but the end of the season brings another void to fill until it all starts again in the spring.  I love everybody who reads and comments.....well, ALMOST everybody!  You all help me keep going.  

Game Wrap 9/26/2026: Dodgers 4 Giants 3

A home run by long time Giants nemesis Kike Hernandez in the top of the 9'th inning crushed Giants comeback hopes.  Key Lines:

Jonah Cox 2B- 1 for 4, 2B, SB(16), R.  BA= .258.  Cox has a OBP of just .308 and a 38% K rate but he also has 16 SB's and has scored 26 runs in 165 PA's.  That projects to 94 runs in 600 PA's.  That would be tied for 20'th in MLB.  The speed does change the game.  

Turner Hill CF/LF- 1 for 3, 2B, SF, R, RBI.  BA= .223.  Hill should be in the mix for a roster spot next season.

Bo Davidson RF- 2 for 3, SF, RBI.  BA= .375.  So far, so good in the Bo Davidson Era.  

Shay Whitcomb 3B- 2 for 2, SB.  BA= .202.  Whitcomb is 4 for 8 over his last 3 games.

Drew Cavanaugh PH/C- 2 for 2, 2B, 3B, RBI.  BA= .236.  Cavanaugh should be the strong side of a catcher platoon next season.  Daniel Susac would seem to be the front runner for the other RH hitting side.

Matt Wilkinson LHP- 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.58.  Not sure why Wilkinson came out after 3 innings.  I guess the Giants can't afford to have any more young pitchers go down with arm injuries this season.  He has earned a chance to compete for a role next season.  

Tristan Beck RHP- 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.21.  Beck allowed an inherited runner to score and allowed 2 baserunners in his full inning of work.  His velocity is up to 97 MPH in the two games since his most recent call up.  Is that enough to survive the coming roster purge?

Camilo Doval RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.22.  The Pirates made some adjustments in Doval's pitch mix with much heavier use of the slider.  He brought that with him to his Giants homecoming and struck out the side and against the Dodgers.  The Giants probably don't want to got to arbitration with him but he seems very happy to be back and they can likely resign him to a lower contract outside the arbitration process.  

Carson Seymour RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 2/0 GO/AO.  ERA= 4.70.  Seymour starts today's season finale in what is probably a planned bullpen game.

Game Wrap 9/25/2026: Dodgers 2 Giants 0

The Giants got a well-pitched game from Yunior Marte and a 4 relievers but the lineup was overmatched by Dodger's SP Tarik Skubal and the outcome was never really in doubt.  Key Lines:

Yunior Marte RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K's, 6/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 4.44.  Marte was again a gamer who fared better than his previous game against the same team.  Per Gameday, FB had variable velocity 90-95 MPH.  Is that by design or unwanted variability in mechanics?  He threw more sliders and splitters than FB's and used those pitches to get groundball outs.  He looks like he can compete for a long relief/spot start role next season.  

Tarik Skubal LHP(Dodgers)- 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K's.  ERA= 2.72.  The Giants roughed him up a bit in Dodger Stadium but you knew that wasn't going to happen 2 games in a row, not with this lineup.  And yes, the Giants are not currently competitive with the Dodgers with or without Tarik Skubal.  They would not be competitive with the Dodgers even if Skubal transferred off the Dodgers and to the Giants.  That's how wide the talent gap is.  It's a little better with Devers and Eldridge in the lineup but I don't think they are competitive even with them plus a Skubal and that's with the Dodgers suffering their own rash of injuries.  

Just the fact that Skubal is currently a Dodger and the odds favor him remaining a Dodger for 10 more seasons is a testament to how broken MLB is right now.  I have never been a supporter of a hard salary cap but when one team is playing by one set of rules and the rest of the league is playing by another, fans of the rest of the league are going to eventually lose interest.  And it isn't just payroll and it's not just the Dodgers.  When ever year 20% of teams empty out their roster and stop competing at the trade deadline while another 20% load up on top players with one team getting THE best player year in and year out, that gets old after awhile too.  

I don't have much faith it will happen and it doesn't necessarily have to be a hard cap, but I would like to see something done to curb what the Dodgers are doing and I would like to see the trade deadline much earlier in the season.  I think the payroll structure is more likely to change than the trade deadline.  

Matt Wilkinson LHP gets a big test today after a terrific start against the Dodgers last weekend.  He faces exhibit 2,  Blake Snell LHP, who comes in with an ERA of 1.86.  I was musing to my friend who is a Dodgers fan that us Giants fans have a saying that goes, "he was a good Giant".  Blake Snell was not a good Giant!

Game Wrap 9/23/2026: Twins 4 Giants 2

A 2-run single by Shay Whitcomb was not enough to support pretty good start by Cesar Perdomo and a beleaguered bullpen.  Key Lines:

Shay Whitcomb 3B- 2 for 4, 2 RBI.  BA= .191.  Whitcomb came through with a 2-out, bases-loaded single in the 4'th to drive in the Giants only two runs of the game.  The inning ended when Christian Koss tried to bunt his way on base with runners at the corners and 2 outs which tells you everything you need to know about the current mindset of the team.  As for Whitcomb, he's had a few nice moments but overall has not done enough to warrant a roster spot through the winter.

The top three batters in the lineup, Jonah Cox 2B(.266), Turner Hill CF(.220) and Victor Bericoto LF(.233) went a combined 0 for 11 with a walk.  

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, 7/4 GO/AO.  ERA= 3.65.  Perdomo has had 4 good appearances out of 5.  Note again the command of a 3-pitch arsenal.  He can be a decent #4,5 SP on next year's team.  

As happy as us prospect hounds and die-hard fans are to watch "the kids" play hard even in defeat, this is not a lineup or team that's going to win many games.  Admittedly it would look a lot better with Devers and Eldridge but there are still holes in the lineup and the pitching is a mess.  While I hope the Giants have the patience to continue rebuilding from within, I don't see any way they compete for a playoff spot next season without a major investment in a lot more than just a Closer.  More on this after the season ends.  

Bob Costas was in the broadcast booth campaigning for Kruk and Kuip to be voted into the Hall of Fame as a team, something that requires a rule change.  I like the idea but felt a bit uneasy at the implication that neither one is good enough to make it on their own.  I do agree they should be in and should be in while they are both still alive to see it.  

The Giants get a day off before starting the final series of the season against the Dodgers.  Yunior Marte RHP gets the start on Willie Mac Award Night facing TBD.

Game Wrap 9/22/2026: Twins 3 Giants 2

 As we have seen many times this season, individual Giants players did some good things on the field, just not enough players did enough good things.  They had 6 hits and drew 6 walks.  They stole 2 bases.  They executed several bunts well.  Anthony Molina had a Quality Start. They also had no XBH's and left 10 runners on base.  In the end they came up short.  Key Lines:

Anthony Molina RHP- 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.97.  In his last start Molina came out after 5.2 IP.  This time he got one more out and gets credit for a Quality Start.  He's pitched at least 5 innings and given up 2 runs or less in 3 of his last 4 starts.  

It's up to Cesar Perdomo LHP to get the series win today facing Connor Prielipp LHP who comes in with a 4.94 ERA.

Game Wrap 9/21/2026: Giants 5 Twins 2

Drew Gilbert had a big game at the Dawn of the Bo Davidson Era while Tristan Beck picked up Blade Tidwell who exited with what appears to be another elbow injury for a Giants pitcher.  Key Lines:

Drew Gilbert CF- 3 for 4, HR(11), 2 R, 3 RBI.  BA= .237.  Gilbert led off the Giants half of the first inning with a single, advanced to 3B on Bo Davidson's first MLB hit and scored on a single by Brett Harris.  Gilbert later drove in 2 runs with a single and drove in the Giants 5'th run of the game with a HR in the 5'th.  The 3 hits gave Gilbert a .333 BA over his last 7 games.  It looks like he'll compete for a platoon role as as OF next season.

Jonah Cox 2B- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .280.  I think I hit a wrong button on a commenter yesterday which I wanted to respond to.  The comment was that while FZ aquired Jonah Cox, Buster's development emphasis on more of a contact/line drive approach unlocked his potential including swinging earlier in counts to avoid strikeouts.  My response is that may be true but the jury is still out on whether Buster's favored approach results in more runs.  Although the Giants rank #11 in team BA and surprisingly #9 in SLG%(a lot of that is due to Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge coming on strong in the second half), they rank #30 in BB%, #28 in OBP and #24 in Runs.  

Bo Davidson RF- 1 for 4, SB(1), R.  BA= .250.  Bo singled in his first MLB AB, stole 2B and came home on Harris's single in the first inning.  

Bret Harris 1B- 2 for 4, 2 RBI.  BA= .194.  Harris drove in the first two runs with the first inning single with runners at 2'nd and 3'rd.  

Blade Tidwell RHP- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.45.  Tidwell looked sharp until he spiked a curveball in the 4'th inning, made a funny motion with his right arm and signaled the bench to come out.  As Kruk noted in his commentary, they way he held his arm as he walked off the mound looked like another elbow injury which was confirmed by Tony Vitello in the postgame presser.  Tidwell will undergo more testing today.  After many years of historically low rates of elbow injuries, Giants pitchers now seem to be in the midst of a cluster, including Hayden Birdsong RHP, Trevor McDonald RHP and Carson Whisenhunt LHP.  In addition, Adrian Houser RHP is out with a forearm strain which seems to sometimes be a precursor to elbow injuries.  

Tristan Beck RHP- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, 5/2 GO/AO.  ERA= 5.94.  What got into Tristan Beck?  He rolled out of bed firing 97 MPH darts at the edges of the strike zone.  The Giants may want to run him out there at least one more time before the end of the season.  If that's the real Tristan Beck they might want to keep him around over the winter.  Beck's big problem has been consistency though and one game does not prove he's suddenly found that.

Trent Harris RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K, Save(2).  ERA= 2.14.  A clean Save!  It was with a 3-run lead but as Kruk pointed out the Giants have not had many of those this season.  Giants will probably try to acquire a proven Closer over the winter but until then, it looks like Harris is the guy for the 9'th inning.  

Anthony Molina RHP tries to secure a series win this evening facing Taj Bradley RHP who comes in with an ERA of 3.81.

Down on the Farm: 9/20/2026

 AAA:  Reno Aces beat the Sacramento River Cats 4-1.

Bo Davidson RF- 1 for 2, BB, HBP, SB(6).  BA= .309.

Fernando Gonzalez C- 1 for 2, HBP.  BA= .280.

Seth Lonsway LHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.11.

Nick Zwack LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 5.77.

River Cats had just two hits in the game.  They used 7 pitchers in bullpen game.  This ends the 2026 minor league season and Down on the Farm series of posts.  This was one of the most exciting and successful Giants minor league seasons to report on in my memory.  We'll take a bit of a break and scale back to just Game Wraps until the MLB season ends then do some season reviews and of course DrB's 2027 Giants Top 50 Prospects later in the winter.

Game Wrap 9/20/2026: Dodgers 3 Giants 1

The Giants lineup was not able to support a 5-inning, scoreless start by Matt Wilkinson and once again the Dodgers broke through against the bullpen to complete a series sweep.  Key Lines:

Jonah Cox 2B- 0 for 3, BB, SB(14), R.  BA= .281.  Cox continues to create runs at the top of the order with his speed.  He walked to lead off the game, stole 2B and scored on Victor Bericoto's(DH) single. Cox has to play every day and bat leadoff next year, has to!  Jung Hoo Lee RF had the only other hit in the game for the Giants and exited the game after fouling a pitch off into his groin area.  Ouch!

Matt Wilkinson LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.65.  This was Wilkinson's best start  and it comes after a pair of scoreless relief appearances.  He should be in the mix either a rotation or long relief role next season.

More sad news for Giants fans as Duane Kuiper announced he has throat cancer and has started treatment.  He plans to be in the booth with Mike Krukow for Kruk's last game as a commentator.  Kuip hopes to be back next season.  Wish both of them the best but it seems pretty clear that a whole era of Giants broadcasting is coming to a close.

The Giants return home for their final homestand with Blade Tidwell RHP taking the mound tomorrow evening Zebby Matthews RHP who comes in with a 4.74 ERA.  Hmm....I wish the Giants had a player named Zebby.

Down on the Farm: 9/19/2026

 AAA:  Reno Aces defeated the Sacramento River Cats 7-4.

Bo Davidson LF- 2 for 4.  BA= .307.

Will Brennan CF- 2 for 3, 2B, SF.  BA= .302.

Eddys Leonard DH- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .210.

Joe Whitman LHP- 5.1 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.74.

Braxton Roxby RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 3.78.

Not much to say here.  Final game of the season today.  River Cats are not in the Championship series.  

Game Wrap 9/19/2026: Dodgers 10 Giants 4

A big game by Victor Bericoto was not enough to overcome a relentless Dodger attack on the Giants beleaguered young pitching staff.  

Victor Bericoto DH- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(5), BB 2 R, 2 RBI.  BA= .253.  Bericoto has less than 100 PA's on the season due to prolonged absence on the IL.  That's to bad because this season turned into the perfect opportunity to impress management for a bigger role next season.  He does have one thing going for him which is the Giants need to balance out their suddenly lefty-heavy lineup.  Impressive peformance against Tarik Skubal LHP even if Skubal is a lefty.

Jung Hoo Lee RF- 2 for 4, 2B, RBI.  BA= .276.  Lee's numbers collapsed in September.  Is he starting to break out of it?

Yunior Marte RHP- 4.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 2 K's, 7/2 GO/AO.  ERA= 4.66.  Marte held the Dodgers to 1 run in each of the first 4 innings.  OK, that's not great pitching but the score was still tied going to the bottom of the 5'th.  Marte got two quick outs on a GIDP by Max Muncy but then went single, walk to the next two batters and Tony Vitello brought in Philip Abner to face left-batting Josue DePaula.  Yes, THAT Philip Abner!  DePaula walked.  Tommy Edman singled to drive in 2 and Miguel Rojas singled to drive in another with Turner Hill getting the third out on a throw to the plate to nail the trailing runner.  

Duncan Davitt RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 4/1 GO/AO.  ERA= 2.08.  Davitt may be a savvy waiver wire claim.  He has a few more games to prove he should stay on the 40-man roster through the winter with a chance to win a bullpen spot in the spring.

Matt Wilkinson LHP gets another chance to start today against TBD.  

Down on the Farm: 9/18/2026

AAA:  Reno Aces defeated the Sacramento River Cats 6-4.

Darren Baker LF- 1 for 4, SB(5).  BA= .261.

Bo Davidson RF- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .303.

Aeverson Arteaga SS- 1 for 3, 3B, Sac.  BA= .249.

Sam Hentges LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 1.93.

 

Bo Davidson is THE guy at this level right now.  He'll be added to the 40-man roster, before rosters are set this fall.  The only question is whether he will be added before the season ends to get into a few MLB games.

AAA is the only minor league level still playing.

Game Wrap 9/18/2026: Dodgers 8 Giants 2

Another late-inning disaster turned a close game into a route.  Key Lines:

Jung Hoo Lee RF- 1 for 4, HR(10).  BA= .274.  Lee was so good in the middle of the season. Unfortunately despite this HR, he is batting .143 over his last 7 games, .155 over his last 15 and .200 over his last 30.

Scott Bandura DH- 1 for 2, SB(1), R.  BA= .250.  Bandura scored the Giants second run after a single, SB and a 2-out single by Jonah Cox 2B/CF  The SB as a weapon?  What a concept!

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.72.  Considering he was facing the Dodgers in Dodger Stadium, this is a pretty good line.  Perdomo allowed 3 singles in the 5'th inning but had 2 outs with runners at first and second when Tony Vitello replaced him with Jason Foley RHP.  Dave Roberts countered with.....Max Muncy!  Not sure I like that matchup but I aws following on Gameday and it looked like Perdomo's velocity was down a couple of ticks so maybe that's what Vitello and the coaches were looking at?

Philip Abner LHP- 1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, 4 HR.  ERA= 7.23.  Tasked with keeping it close in the bottom of the 8'th inning, Abner gave up 4 home runs, 4!  I thought that might be some kind of record but I looked it up and apparently not.  5 HR's in one inning is the record and it's been done many times.  My friend texted me and asked who Abner is.  I said some random waiver claim.  Next!  

It doesn't get any easier tomorrow evening as TBD faces Tarik Skubal LHP who may be the best pitcher in MLB and comes in with a 2.70 ERA.

Down on the Farm: 9/17/2026

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats shut out the Reno Aces 3-0.

Bo Davidson RF- 1 for 4, HR(10), 3 RBI.  BA= .294.

Victor Bericoto DH- 3 for 4. BA= .288.

Will Bednar RHP- 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.33.

Wilkin Ramos RHP- 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.07.

Cristian Alvarado RHP- 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 6.35.

R. J. Dabovich RHP- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 2.45.

Eric Cerantola RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's, Save(6).  ERA= 4.12.

Bo Davidson's second game back from foot injury from foul ball.  He's 1 for 8 over the two games but drove in all 3 of the 'Cats runs with a homer in this one.  Bullpen with a combined shut out.

AA:  Erie Seawolves defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-3.

Kaeden Kent DH- 1 for 3, HR, BB, 3 RBI.  

Jackson Flora RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  

Jacob Bresnahan LHP- 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K's. 

Tyler Vogel RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Kaeden Kent drove in all 3 Squirrels runs with a homer.  Jackson Flora with two dominant innings.  Jacob Bresnahan feel apart in his 4'th inning of work.  Squirrels lose the best of 3 Division Series 2 games to 0.  Very nice season for the much maligned Giants AA squad despite a lot of roster movement over the season.

Down on the Farm: 9/16/2026

 AAA:  Reno Aces edged out the Sacramento River Cats 3-2.

Parks Harber 3B- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .271.

Trystan Vrieling RHP- 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 6 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 9.68.

Braxton Roxby RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.88.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels had an off day in their best of 3 EL division series. They trail the Erie Seawolves 1 game to 0.

A:  Lake Elsinore Storm overwhelmed the San Jose Giants 13-2.

Josuar Gonzalez SS- 1 for 4, 2B, BB, 2 SB, 2 E.  

Lorenzo Meola 2B- 2 for 4.

Jeremiah Jenkins 1B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB.

Dario Reynoso 3B- 3 for 4, SB.

SJ Giants fall short in the Cal League Championship Series losing 2 game to 1.  All 3 games had lopsided scores.  So what went wrong?  1.  Anything can happen in a short series.  2.  The Giants were primarily a hitting team all season with probably the weakest pitching I remember them having and I've followed them for 20 years.  Pitching tends to dominate in postseason play.  3.  Many of the top players for the regular season moved up to A+ before the postseason.  Overall it was a great season for SJ Giants hitters and a disappointing one for the pitchers.  

Game Wrap 9/16/2026: Giants 6 Cardinals 5(10 Innings)

The Giants almost managed to ruin a sparkling start by Anthony Molina but hung tough and Drew Gilbert's 2-run homer in the 10'th inning was just enough to hold on for the game win and series win.  Key Lines:

Jonah Cox CF/2B- 3 for 4, BB, 2 SB(13), R, RBI.  BA= .294.  Jonah Cox is showing what a classic leadoff hitter can do for a lineup.  When was the last time the Giants had one?

Drew Gilbert PH/CF- 1 for 1, HR(10), R, 2 RBI.  BA= .233.  Bryce Eldridge was the designated runner to start the 10'th inning.  Tony Vitello made a double move puting Grant McCray in to pinch-run for Eldridge and Drew Gilbert to pinch-hit for Brett Harris 3B against a RHP.  Both moves were the right call but Eldridge could have walked home ahead of Gilbert's bomb to CF.  Gilbert gets to double-digit HR's and seems to be fearless in clutch situations.  

Andrew Knizner C- 3 for 4, R, RBI.  BA= .212.  Knizner is batting .238/.333/.429 over his last 7 games.  

Anthony Molina RHP- 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.18.  Nice bounceback from a disaster start.  Tony Vitello made an aggressive move to bring in Philip Abner LHP to fact Alec Burleson with 2 outs in the 6'th and no runners on base.  Molina was at 82 pitches.  Maybe Vitello figured this was Molina's last inning anyway and why risk losing the 1-0 lead on one swing when you can bring in the lefty for a more favorable matchup.  It ended up working out.

Carson Seymour RHP- 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 5.06.  Walking two batters was far from ideal but Seymour was victimized by horrible defense including his own muff of a short toss covering first base.  Then Christian Koss yanked a throw that looked like Bryce Eldridge whiffed on the standard TV angle but from a LF camera you could see the throw was at least 3 feet beyond Eldridge's stretch.  Trent Harris RHP came on to get the final out of the inning and then pitched a scoreless 8'th.  

Dylan Smith RHP- 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.50.  This was Smith's 5'th blown save and he looks gassed.  

Joel Kuhnel RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K's, Save(8).  ERA= 4.54.  Torture!  Kuhnel had to protect a 2-run lead so could concentrate on getting the batters out rather than worrying about the designated runners.  He walked two batters to add to the drama but got out of it on 3 fly ball outs.  Not ideal but the plane flight to LA will be happy. 

The Giants get a travel day tomorrow then face the Dodgers for a weekend series with Cesar Perdomo LHP pitching Friday evening against TBD.  Maybe with the off day the Giants flew home and will then fly to LA tomorrow evening or Friday AM?