DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #23 Trevor Cohen

23.  Trevor Cohen OF.  DOB:  10/29/20003.  B-L, T-L.  6' 1", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(College- Rutgers):  .387/.460/.523, 24 2B, 2 HR, 19 SB, 11.0 BB%, 5.5 K%, 273 PA.

2025(A):  .327/.438/.402, 3 2B, HR, 8 SB,  15.4 BB%, 11.5 K%, 130 PA.

Giants 3'rd round draft pick in 2025(their second pick due to signing Willy Adames).  Cohen was so lightly regarded in predraft evaluation MLB Pipeline did not rank him in their top 250 draft prospects despite elite contact numbers at Rutgers.  He is a 3-tool player with Hit, Run, Field but power and arm strength lag.  The main rap on him is an extreme groundball tendency which probably helps his BABIP but leaves him with almost no power.  Can he improve on those without tanking his hit tool?  If he can there may be a MLB career in his future.  

Hot Stove League Update: Mets Trade For Luis Robert Jr.

 The long-awaited and much discussed Luis Robert Jr. trade finally went down yesterday with the enigmatic outfielder going to the Mets for a couple of prospects.  Let's break it down:

Mets Get:

Luis Robert Jr. OF.  DOB:  8/3/1997.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 225 lbs.  Under Contract 7 yr/$68 M(2020-2026), Club Option for 2027.

2025(White Sox):  .223/.297/.364, 14 HR, 33 SB, 9.3 BB%, 26.0 K%, 431 PA, 1.3 fWAR.

Robert has always had the tools to be a superstar.  He looked like he was headed for superstar territory in 2023 with a line of .264/.315/.542, 38 HR, 20 SB, 4.9 fWAR.  He has struggled with a string of injuries and poor performance since.  The Mets are taking a flyer on him staying healthy and benefitting from a change of scenery.  

White Sox Get:

Luisangel Acuna 2B.  DOB:  3/12/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5' 8", 181 lbs.  Arb Eligible 2029, Free Agent 2032.  

2025(AAA):  .303/.347/.385, 8 SB, 7.4 BB%, 15.6 K%, 122 PA.  

2025(MLB):  .234/.293/.274, 16 SB, 6.7 BB%, 19/2 K%, 193 PA, 0.4 fWAR.

Luisangel is the younger brother of Ronald Jr so the pedigree is there.  Speed/defense guy who might not have enough stick for 2B at the MLB level but can also play SS and CF.  Should find playing time with a rebuilding White Sox team.

Truman Pauley RHP.  DOB:  12/26/2003.  6' 2", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(College- Harvard):  4-6, 4.61, 70.1 IP, 11.64 K/9, 6.14 BB/9. 

2025(A):  0-0, 2.08, 4.1 IP, 6.23 K/9, 8/31 BB/9, 

12'th round draft pick by Mets in 2025.  Will have to improve his control/command to succeed in pro baseball.

Comment:  White Sox end up selling low on Robert Jr.  Mets didn't give up much in players and are free-spenders so don't mind the financial risk of what's left on his contract. The upside is obvious. 

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #24 Rayner Arias

24.  Rayner Arias OF.   DOB:  4/29/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 185 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(ACL):  .242/.333/.366, 3 HR, 4 SB, 8.4 BB%, 25.8 K%, 178 PA.

2025(A):  .040/.133/.040, SB, 6.7 BB%, 30.0 K%, 30 PA.

Arias was one of the top rated international prospects in the 2023 cycle and received a nearly $3 M bonus from the Giants.  He got off to a blazing start to his pro career in the DSL but suffered a wrist injury which ended his season early.  He missed most of 2024 with another wrist injury.  He was back in the ACL in 2025 with tepid results.  After a promotion to A San Jose, he got just one hit in 30 PA and found himself back in the ACL.  His season ended on July 24 presumably from another injury.  2026 now looms as a pivotal season in which it seems imperative that he stay healthy and find some traction, especially at the plate.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #25 Joe Whitman

 Joe Whitman LHP.   DOB: 9/17/2001.  6' 5", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(AA):  5-11, 5.29, 117.1 IP, 9.51 K/9, 3.61 BB/9, 1.23 GB/FB.

Drafted in round 2C in 2023 out of Kent State.  Whitman has a classic 3-pitch starters mix, but may not have that dominant put away pitch he can use to get out of trouble.  FB goes 93-95 MPH.  Some of his disappointing ERA last season may be due to bad BAPIP luck as his was .364.  His FIP was 3.61.  He might start 2026 season back in AA Richmond and see if he can pitch in better luck.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #26 Drew Cavanaugh

We'll skip #27 because that was Justin Dean who was DFA'd and claimed by Cubs.  You can mentally move everybody below #36 up by one step and add Dylan Carmouche LHP at #50.  We profiled him on the Honorable Mentions.

Drew Cavanaugh C.  DOB:  1/27/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 220 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A):  .293/.450/.556, 6 HR, 2 SB,  20.6 BB%, 26.0 K%, 131 PA.

2025(A+):  .298/.407/.496, 6 HR, 4 SB, 13.6 BB%, 28.4 K%, 162 PA.

2025(AA):  .186/.375/.302, HR, 14.3 BB%, 26.8 K%, 56 PA.

2025(AAA):  .184/.245/.265, 7.5 BB%, 28/3 K%, 53 PA.

17'th round draft pick in 2023.  Has hit well in pro ball with elite plate discipline.  Faltered a bit after late-season promotions to higher levels. Hopefully that preview gives him a head start for 2026.  No defensive scouting report but if he is just average he has a strong chance at a significant MLB career.

Hot Stove League Update: Bo Bichette to Mets

The Mets agreed to terms with free agent Bo Bichette on a 3 year/$126 M contract with those dreaded opt-outs after each season.  No deferrals and a no-trade clause.  What's interesting here is the Mets apparently plan to use Bichette as a 3B.  While it's been assumed he would move off shortstop due to lack of range it's been generally assumed he would move to 2B due to average arm strength.  

Bichette rebounded from disastrous 2024 season with an excellent 2025 despite missing the last month of the season with a sprained PCL in his knee.  He also missed the first rounds of the postseason but had an excellent World Series.  

Many Giants fans thought Bichette might be a fit at 2B for the Giants.  I think it's pretty safe to say by now that Buster Posey is not going to sign any contracts containing opt-out clauses.  Word is Bichette took this deal over a 7 yr/$200 M offer from the Phillies.  This contract makes betting on himself a low-risk move. 

J T Realmuto C re-signed with the Phillies. 

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #28 Dayson Croes

28.  Dayson Croes 2B.  DOB:  10/8/1999.  B-L, T-R.  5' 11", 205 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(4 levels):  .300/.381/.423, 24 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 2 SB, 9.6 BB%, 15.1 K%, 365 PA.

Signed as a free agent out of indy ball in April 2025.  Kind of a man from nowhere. Kicked around unheard of colleges, summer leagues and 2 years of indy ball but absolutely raked everywhere.  No scouting report but man, that hit tool is intriguing!  Lefty bat doesn't hurt. If he can play an acceptable 2B on defense, he could have a MLB career in his future.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #29 Trent Harris

Trent Harris RHP.   DOB:  1/22/1999.  6' 2", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026

2025(AA):  1-1, 1.69, 16.0 IP, 14.06 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, 1.50 GB/FB.

2025(AAA):  3-1, 5.44, 41.1 IP, 8.781 K/9, 3.27 BB/9, 1.96 GB/FB.

Undrafted free agent from 2023 cycle.  Relatively fast mover on the reliever track. Able to go multiple innings.  Scouting report has him with a 4-pitch mix including a mid-90's FB and a curveball that Fangraphs rates as his best pitch with a value of 60.  Will probably start the season in AAA with good chance of making his MLB debut later in the season.

Hot Stove League Update: Dodgers Sign Kyle Tucker

The Dodgers agreed to terms with Kyle Tucker OF for 4 yr/$240 M, $30 M in deferrals and Opt Outs after 2027 and 2028.  I don't have much to say about this contract except it's a wild overpay in AAV for Tucker and the Dodgers don't care.  MLB has a full blown competitive balance crisis on it's hands.  If the point of the CBT is to produce competitive balance in the league, it's a complete failure.  This must be addressed in the next Basic Agreement if not sooner.  If it takes a hard cap to accomplish, so be it.  This could get very ugly and is an existential threat to the game as we know it.

Sup Dawgs?!: Giants Score Another International Coup; Hot Stove League Update; Minor League Free Agent Signings

Big news today is the Giants, as expected, landed Luis Hernandez SS for a reported $5M signing bonus on opening day of the 2026 international signing period.  Hernandez is a 4+ tool SS with advanced plate discipline and baseball IQ who trained at the Ozzie Guillen Academy in Venezuela. He immediately slots into the Giants #3 prospect on DrB's 2026 Giants Top Prospects list.  In case anyone still wonders if the Giants have signed too many highly ranked shortstops, shortstop is a position players often move off of but almost never move too.  You can't have too many young shortstops in an organization.  

The Giants did sign two other international players.  They are limited in how many large bonuses they have to give out as Hernandez takes up most of the $5.4 M of their allotted bonus pool.  They can sign unlimited numbers of players for bonuses of $10 K or less and will probably fill out there DSL rosters with players signed in that range. Some of those emerge to be pretty good players.  

The Giants have now signed top 5 international prospects in 3 of the last 4 cycles and the fourth cycle included Jhonny Level who is now one of their top-rated prospects.  I well remember the days when the Padres and Dodgers routinely signed the top international prospects while the Giants shelled out a $ million or 6 for players that left analysts scratching their heads.  Those days are gone.  Giant Futures on Bluesky pointed out the surge in international scouting and signings started under Bobby Evans with the Luciano/Matos/Pomares class.  Victor Bericoto was in that group too.  That group did not quite turn out as we all hoped but it was a start which should eventually pay off with the development of a superstar or two.

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Thanks to BaseballJeff1 on Bluesky for the heads up on a couple of Giants minor league free agent signings:  

Mitch White RHP.  DOB:  11/21/1999.  6' 1", 185 lbs.  

2025(Frontier League):  3-2, 3.77, 9.6 K/9, 5.8 BB/9, 11 Saves.  

Not the same Mitch White who was briefly a Giants a couple of years ago.  Pitched 2 years in NCAA Div I without much success.  2 years of Indy ball with solid ERA but walk rate much too high.  Maybe the Giants see something they can fix?

Jared Oliva OF.  DOB:  11/27/1995.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 203 lbs.  2 Options.

2025(AAA- Brewers):  .252/.335/.413, 11 HR, 57 SB, 8.8 BB%, 20.6 K%, 398 PA.  

Speedy OF who had a couple cups of coffee back in 2020 and 2021.  Split time between CF and RF in AAA last year.  Probably no more than organizational depth but the SB's are interesting.

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The Hot Stove heated up this week with some moves.  

The Cardinals finally unloaded Nolan Arenado 3B to the D'Backs while eating most of his remaining salary.  They got a pitcher drafted in 2025 who has yet to appear in a pro game in return.  I am not thrilled that Arenado is back in the NL West but he seems to be a shell of his former self and there are not fewer intradivisional games.

The Marlins unloaded a couple of talented but oft-injured pitchers Edwin Cabrera RHP and Ryan Weathers LHP for a shipload of prospects of questionable talent.  The best one appears to be Owen Caissie OF and former 2'nd round draft pick by the Cubs who has slugged his way up the minor league chain.  

The Cubs signed Alex Bregman 3B to a 5 yr/$175 M contract.  Bregman is coming off a good, but not great, season with the Red Sox in which he missed 6 weeks with a quad strain.  3B is a redundant position for the Giants.  Bregman signaled willingness to play 2B but clearly prefers 3B so doubtful the Giants were every a serious consideration even if they showed interest.  If they can swing a trade for Nico Hoerner 2B or Brendan Donovan 2B/OF they will get similar value with far less risk.

The Red Sox signed Ranger Suarez LHP to a 5 yr/$130 M contract.  Suarez is a soft-tosser whose FB velocity is declining.  He depends on excellent command and strong ground ball tendencies.  He has missed significant time with a variety of injuries over the past 4 seasons.  I can understand why the Giants passed on bidding for him.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #30 Wilkin Ramos RHP

30.  Wilkin Ramos RHP.  DOB:  10/21/2000.  6' 5", 165 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Now.

2025(AA- Pirates):  3-2, 1.45, 49.2 IP, 9.60 K/9, 3.44 BB/9, 2.61 GB/FB, 7 Saves.

2025(AAA- Pirates):  1-2, 6.60, 15 IP, 9.00 K/9, 3.00 BB/9, 3.13 GB/FB.  

Signed as a minor league free agent in December.  Tall rangy RHP with a mid-90's super-sinker which induces extreme groundball rates.  Secondary pitch is a slurvy curve.  Misses more bats than a typical sinkerball pitcher.  2-pitch mix probably limits him to relieving.  Non-zero chance we'll see him pitching out of the Giants bullpen this season.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025(AAA):  .333/.333/.667, 3 PA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13'th round draft pick in 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winn:  Sup Boss?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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