Hot Stove League Update: Giants Trade Kai-Wei Teng

The Giants needed a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for Harrison Bader OF.  Rather than DFA a fringe player, they acted pre-emptively and traded Kai-Wei Teng RHP to the Astros for Jancel Villarroel C and maybe more importantly, more international bonus space.  Let's break it down:

Kai-Wei Teng RHP.  DOB:  12/1/1998.  6' 4", 241 lbs.  40-man roster, 2 Options.

2025(AAA):  3-2, 3.63, 57 IP, 14.05 K/9, 3.47 BB/9, 1.42 GB/FB.

2025(MLB):  2-4, 6.37, 29.2 IP, 11.83 K/9, 5.18 BB/9, 0.97 GB/FB. 

Teng was acquired in 2019 for Sam Dyson.  He's worked his way up the Giants minor league system with mixed results.  At times he put up dominant K rates and other times his ERA ballooned due to command issues.  He logged some time at the MLB level last season and made some really impressive pitches but was again plagued by inconsistent command and a large ERA.  It's a bit sad to see him traded but the Giants have a logjam of AAA/MLB pitchers and Teng was probably the most logical to go.  He also might have been they could get more for him than other pitchers and the extra international bonus money in addition to a non-40-man roster prospect is not a trivial return.

Jancel Villarroel C.  DOB:  1/17/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 8", 176 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .258/.360/.385, 6 HR, 20 SB, 11.3 BB%, 17.2 K%, 372 PA.

2025(A+):  .263/.295/.404, 2 HR, 4.9 BB%, 21.3 K%, 61 PA.

Compact catching prospect with strong hit and power tools.  Reportedly has a strong throwing arm but still needs work on his all-around catching game.  Got his feet wet in A+ ball at the end of last season so that is where he will probably start 2026.  With Drew Cavanaugh moving up the Giants have room at the A+ level for a catching prospect.

International Bonus Pool Room:  It's my understanding that no actual money changes hands in these deals, rather the receiving team gets more room to spend their own money on international prospect signings.  I really like this part of the deal for the Giants as it shows they still prioritize the international market in the Buster Posey era.

Summary:  It's a bit sad to see Teng traded but the Giants have a logjam of AAA/MLB pitchers and he was probably the most logical to go and they got a legitimate catching prospect with 2 years before Rule 5 eligibilty which is a plus.  He also might have been they could get more for him than other pitchers and the extra international bonus money in addition to a non-40-man roster prospect is not a trivial return.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #15 Daniel Susac

15.  Daniel Susac C.  DOB:  5/142001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 4", 218 lbs.  40-man roster, no options(Rule 5 Draftee via trade).

2025(AAA-Athletics):  .275/.349/.483, 18 HR, 7 SB, 8.6 BB%, 26.8 K%, 407 PA.

Susac is the younger brother of Forever Giant, Andrew Susac.  He was drafted #19 overall by the A's in 2022 and worked his way through their system.  They did not add him to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, probably because they have a plethora of young catchers in the organization.  He was selected by the Twins who then traded him to the Giants for a very young catching prospect, Miguel Caraballo, plus cash.  

Why all that is important is Susac has to stay on the 26-man active roster all season or be offered back to the A's in accordance with Rule 5 rules.  It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to give up even a very young prospect for Susac if there is not a strong intention of keeping him all season.  Where the story gets complicated is the Giants also singed veteran catcher, Eric Haase, to a minor league contract with a MLB salary contingent on him making the active roster out of spring training.  He has an opt out so the Giants are not going to be able to keep both.  Haase has a reputation as a poor defensive catcher and has battled some injuries so this all has an eery Tom Murphy vibe to it. 

With a full AAA season under his belt, Susac should be as ready as he'll ever be and looks like the type of asset the Giants would want to keep in the organization.  It's just that back up catcher is an extremely tough gig for him to try to find traction on a MLB career.

DrB's 2025 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #16 Parks Harber

16.  Parks Harber 1B/3B.  DOB:  9/25/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A- Yankees):  .304/.422/.551, 3 HR, 4 SB, 14.5 BB%, 26.5 K%, 83 PA.  

2025(A+- Yankees):  .326/.395/.489, 3 HR, 2 SB, 10.5 BB%, 23.0 K%, 152 PA.

2025(A+- Giants):  .333/.454/.644, 7 HR, 14.8 BB%, 20.4 K%, 108 PA.

2025(AFL):  .383/.513/.683, 3 HR, SB, 18.4 BB%, 26.3 K%, 76 PA.

Harber was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Yankees in 2024.  He went undrafted despite hitting 54 home runs in 206 college games.  He's raked everywhere he's played.  The rap on him is defensive limitation due to slow foot speed and lack or arm strength which may limit him to 1B at higher levels.  He did play some innings in RF in the minors and AFL last year.  Perhaps he could be playable in LF?  He should move up to AA in 2026 which is always a challenge for hitters.  I will be following his batting lines with interest.

Armchair GM: Does Buster Have One Last Move?

Per Cot's Contracts website, the signing of Harrison Bader leaves the Giants approximately $26 M under the CBT threshold.  For the sake of this discussion, Buster Posey is willing to use half of that to sign at least one more player while leaving a bit of room for midseason upgrades.  

Question:  What position do you upgrade with that $13 M?  Here are the choices:

Second Base

DH

Starting Rotation

Bullpen

None, keep your powder dry for a bigger midseason move

*Warning:  Rants about ownership not spending enough will not be posted.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #17 Carlos Gutierrez

17.  Carlos Gutierrez OF.  DOB:  8/22/2004.  B-L, T-R, 5' 10", 174 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .351/.445/.452, 11 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 26 SB, 12.6 BB%, 13.4 K%, 293 PA.

The numbers speak for themselves.  I saw Gutierrez play for the San Jose Giants last season.  He was easily the best, most athletic looking player on the field.  Unfortunately his season was cut short by a lower back injury and 2025 was not the first season he's missed significant time with injury.  If he can stay healthy, and that's a big if, he could be a breakout prospect in 2026, maybe even into top 100 status.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #18 Dakota Jordan

18.  Dakota Jordan OF.  DOB:  5/9/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 220 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2025(A):  .311/.377/.497, 15 2B, 6 3B, 14 HR, 27 SB, 8.9 BB%, 22.8 K%, 416 PA.

Dakota Jordan is an extraordinarily physical player.  He looks more like a football linebacker or running back than a baseball player.  Another way to describe him would be a bulked up version of Heliot Ramos.  The Giants drafted him in round 4 2024 draft on the strength of his raw power/speed tool kit.  The big question was the hit tool.  The 2025 season quieted those concerns but I point out A ball is very conservative placement for a 4'th round college draftee.  I am not sure why he wasn't promoted to A+ after a strong first half.  Perhaps he might have been promoted late but he suffered an oblique strain which he aggravated when he tried to return.  

I have him ranked lower as a prospect based on strength of competition and concerns that the football type physicality might not translate well to baseball.  I will add that Jordan is another example of how the Rule 5 Draft rules need to be adjusted to the reality of the later draft date.  He burned up a year of service time toward eligibility in 2024 despite recording just 7 PA's. As a fan of both the player and the team, I find that frustrating.

Hot Stove League Update: Giants Sign Harrison Bader

 One of the Giants goals going into the Hot Stove League was to upgrade their outfield defense.  Over the course of the winter they made some minor acquisitions of Justin Dean and Joey Wiemer who were definitely defensive upgrades but probably not upgrades of overall value due to terrible hitting numbers.  Those guys are long gone and the Giants finally got their upgrade and at a reasonable price.

Harrison Bader OF.  DOB:  6/3/1994.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 210 lbs.  2 yr/$20.5 M(+ $500 K in incentives)

2025(Twins/Phillies):  .277/.347/.449, 17 HR, 11 SB, 7.8 BB%, 27.1 K%, 3.2 fWAR.

Bader is coming off the second best season of his career the best being all the way back to 2018.  He had a comparable season in 2021 but a weak bat held him back in the intervening years.  He is a plus defensive CF which the Giants desperately needed. I am sure they will take whatever he can give at the plate.  The other part of this equation is Jung Hoo Lee.  It makes no sense to sign Bader if moving Jung Hoo to RF is not part of the plan.  I assume he was duly informed of this reality at the appropriate time.  Lee has limited range but a strong throwing arm so RF should be a good fit for him.  If he continues to make contact, use all fields and get on base as opposed to trying for Splash Hits, he can be a strong contributor and Bader will improve at least 2 OF positions by his mere presence.  Nice pickup for a reasonable price by the Buster/Zach tandem.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #19 Argenis Cayama

19.  Argenis Cayama RHP.  DOB:  9/15/2006.  6' 1", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(ACL):  1-1, 2.25, 48 IP, 10.31 K/9, 3.38 BB/9, 3.32 GB/FB.

2025(A):  1-0, 8.16, 14.1 IP, 4.40 K/9, 6.28 BB/9, 2.69 GB/FB. 

Cayama is drawing some national buzz with MLB Pipeline rating him the Giants #9 prospect.  Put up elite numbers in the ACL before a late season stumble after promotion to A San Jose.  Cayama is praised for an advanced feel for pitching.  He leads with both 4 and 2 seam fastballs which range from 92-97 MPH, a tight slider and a promising changeup.  Even after his promotion he maintained elite groundball rates.  He should be assigned to A San Jose to start 2026 and will try to master that level at age 19.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #20 Luis De La Torre

20.  Luis De La Torre LHP.  DOB:  9/6/2003.  6' 0", 188 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(ACL):  2-1, 3.72, 38.2 IP, 14.43 K/9, 3.72 BB/9, 0.95 GB/FB.

2025(A):  2-2, 1.77, 35.2 IP, 11.86 K/9, 2.78 BB/9, 2.16 GB/FB.  

MLB Pipeline scouting report says FB sits 94-96 MPH, touches 98.  Slider is a plus pitch at times.  Changeup a work in progress.  I saw him pitch in San Bernardino and was impressed with his pitch mix and command.  Not sure why his groundball rate jumped after promotion to San Jose.  Maybe the coaches there were able to add a 2-seam sinker?  Should move up to A+ with a chance to advance to AA during the season.  Will likely need to be added to 40-man roster after the season to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.  Starting to generate some national buzz but still a sleeper/breakout prospect in the system.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #21 Carlos De La Rosa

21.  Carlos De La Rosa LHP.  DOB:  11/30/2007.  5' 11", 178 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2025(DSL- Yankees):  0-1, 5.32, 22 IP, 14.73 K/9, 2.05 BB/9, 2.17 FIP.

2025(DSL- Giants):  0-0, 3.48, 10.1 IP, 13.06 K/9, 3.48 BB/9, 2.58 FIP.

Acquired from the Yankees in the Camilo Doval trade.  Signed by the Yankees in the 2025 international class with a bonus of $400 K.  MLB Pipeline scouting report says FB 92-96 MPH, 2 types of slider and a changeup.  A little undersized for a MLB pitcher but delivery is relatively low effort.  Should be able to develop pitch mix into a MLB starter role.

Hot Stove League Update: Rangers Trade for Mackenzie Gore

 The Rangers pulled off what might be the biggest trade of this year's Hot Stove League by acquiring  much-discussed target, Mackenzie Gore LHP, from the Nationals for 5 prospects.  Let's break it down:

Rangers Get:

Mackenzie Gore LHP.  DOB:  2/24/1999.  6' 2", 193 lbs.  Arbitration Eligible.  Free Agent 2028.

2025(Nationals):  5-15, 4.17, 159.2 IP, 10.43 K/9, 3.61 BB/9, 0.91 GB/FB.  

Gore has long been projected to be a future ace but he's now 4 seasons into a MLB career and has a career ERA over 4. What has he done to earn that acclaim.  He has impressive stuff and some interesting peripheral numbers but he is a flyball pitcher with inconsistent command who is susceptible to gofer balls.  Rangers have 2 years to see if he turns into an ace but they gave up a haul to get him.

Nationals Get:

Gavin Fien SS.  DOB:  3/8/2007.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2025(A):  .220/.267/.341, SB, 6.7 BB%,  24.4 K%, 45 PA.

Rangers first round draft pick in 2025 out of HS, #12 overall.  Big for a SS and will probably eventually move to 3B.  Scouting report has power over hit.  A ball is an aggressive placement for a newly drafted HS player but Fien has a long way to go before he us MLB ready.

Alejandro Rosario RHP.  DOB:  1/6/2000.  6' 1", 182 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2024(A):  2-3, 2.11, 47 IP, 13.21 K/9, 0.96 BB/9, 2.42 GB/FB.

2024(A+):  2-2, 2.24, 41.1 IP, 13.14 K/9, 1.74 BB/9, 1.38 GB/FB.

Drafted in 5'th round 2023 out of college(Miami) had a tremendous 2024 season but missed all of 2025 with an elbow injury(presumably UCL and Tommy John surgery).  

Abimelec Ortiz 1B/OF.  DOB:  2/22/2002.  B-L, T-L.  5' 10", 230 lbs.  MLB Roster, 3 Options.

2025(AA):  .247/.343/.444, 16 HR, 3 SB, 11.3 BB%, 22.3 K%, 391 PA.

2025((AAA):  .283/.388/.565, 9 HR, SB, 12.7 BB%, 21.8 K%, 165 PA.

Power is only plus tool.  Probably limited to 1B/DH.

Devin Fitz-Gerald IF.  DOB:  8/17/2005.  B-S, T-R.  5' 10", 185 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2025(ACL):  .318/.423/.542, 6 HR, 5 SB, 13.1 BB%, 11.5 K%, 130 PA.

2025(A):  .250/.442/.281, 3 SB, 25.6 BB%, 20.9 K%, 43 PA.

5'th round draft pick out of HS in 2024.  Average to above-average tools across the board.  Nice start to pro career in 2025.

Yeremy Cabrera OF.  DOB:  7/2/2005.  B-L, T-L, 5' 11", 155 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A):  .256/.364/.366, 8 HR, 43 SB, 11.5 BB%, 19.1 K%, 451 PA.  

Speed is best tool. Can get to the ball in the OF.  Some pop in the bat.

Comment:  Gore was arguably the top trade target of this year's Hot Stove League but on-field production lags behind the hype.  Nationals get a nice haul of prospects although none are a lock to ever be impact players at the MLB level.  Comparable package for Giants would have started with Gavin Kilen.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #22 Yunior Marte

22.  Yunior Marte RHP.   DOB:  8/9/2003.  6' 5", 210 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(A-Royals):  3-5, 2.74, 82 IP, 8.67 K/9, 2.20 BB/9.

2025(A-Giants):  0-0, 3.60, 20 IP, 7.65 K/9, 4.05 BB/9.

This is not Forever Giant Yunior Marte RHP from a couple of years ago.  This a younger, stronger version of the same name.  Acquired at the trading deadline for Mike Yastrzemski.  2025 was a significant improvement on prior seasons.  Mid-90's FB, sharp slider that may be his best pitch, working on a split change.  Used mostly as a starter up to this point.  Whether he continues that track probably depends on developing the third pitch and maintaining improved command.  More likely he ends up as a bullpen armm which those guys have value too.

Hot Stove League Update: Bellinger Resigns With Yanks; Mets Trade For Peralta

The Yankees broke their reported impasse with Cody Bellinger to resign him for an overall 5 yr/$162.5 M contract.  Now, on the surface that does not sound like a terrible deal for the Yankees but this contract is heavily front-loaded with a $20 M signing bonus and $32.5 M/yr for the first two years of the contract.  That goes down to $25.8  M in years 3 and 4 and $25.9 M in year 5, BUT Bellinger has opt-outs after years 2 and 3.  So it's very possible that this ends up as a 2 yr/$85 M contract which I guess is not terrible considering the contract Bo Bichette just signed but holy moly!  And if Bellinger does not opt out after 2 years, it's probably even worse for the Yanks. 

Bellinger is coming off his best season since his 7.8 fWAR 2019 season, but it appears he was helped considerably by the short right field porch in Yankee Stadium as he had a wide Home/Road split.  That alone probably made him a less than ideal fit for the Giants whose home ballpark is notoriously unfriendly to LH hitters.  It is doubtful he would have considered signing with the Giants at any price. 

The Mets continued their frantic offseason by trading for ace RHP Freddy Peralta from the Brewers.  The Mets also receive Tobias Myers RHP and the Brewers get Jett Williams IF/OF and Brandon Sproat RHP.  Let's break it down:

Mets Get:  

Freddy Peralta RHP.  DOB:  6/4/1996.  6' 0", 198 lbs.  Under Contract for 1 yr/$8 M.  Free Agent 2027.

2025(Brewers):  17-6, 2.70, 176.2 IP, 10.39 K/9, 3.36 BB/9, 3.64 FIP.  

Tobias Myers RHP.  DOB:  8/5/1998.  6' 1", 223 lbs.  Arb Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2031.

2025(AAA):  2-5, 3.77, 59.2 IP, 8.30 K/9, 2.56 BB/9.  

2025(MLB):  1-2, 3.55, 50.2 IP, 6.75 K/9, 2.66 BB/9.  

Brewers Get:

Jett Williams IF/OF.  DOB:  11/3/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 7", 175 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2026.

2025(AA):  .281/.390/.477, 10 HR, 32 SB, 14.7 BB%, 22.8 K%, 421 PA.

2025(AAA):  .261/.363/.465, 7 HR, 2 SB, 9.3 BB%, 23.2 K%, 151 PA.

Brandon Sproat RHP.  DOB:  9/17/2000.  6' 3", 215 lbs.  Pre-Arbitration, 3 Options.  

2025(AAA):  8-6, 4.24, 121 IP, 8.40 K/9, 3.94 BB/9, 1.87 GB/FB.

2025(MLB):  0-2, 4.79, 20.2 IP, 7.40 K/9, 3.05 BB/9, 2.00 GB/FB.

This would have been a strong trade for the Mets if it was just Freddy Peralta for Williams and Sproat but adding Myers is a tremendous steal.  They got at least 6 low-cost pitcher-years for a couple of third tier prospects.  This is one might be a missed opportunity for Buster. 

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.