Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Down on the Farm: 7/20/2026

 ACL:  Rockies crushed the Giants 12-7(6 innings):

Luis Hernandez SS- 2 or 3, 2B, BB, SB(6).  BA= .298.
Yohendry Sanchez C- 2 for 3, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .322.

Reminder to not sleep on Yohendry Sanchez who got a bigger signing bonus than Jhonny Level in 2024.

DSL:  Giants Black topped Arizona Red 8-7.

Franco Willias LF- 2 for 4, BB, SB(18).  BA= .347.
Djean Macares CF- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .268.
Keiberg Camacaro SS- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB, SB(18).  BA= .314.
Dennys Riera 3B- 2 for 5.  BA= .327.
Diego Villegas 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .248.

DSL:  Giants Orange crushed Arizona Black 9-4(7 innings).

Jose Valdez CF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .254.
Yeison Oviedo SS- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .343.
Brandon Vasquez RF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .321.
Yoxander Benitez 2B- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .279.
Jose Trevizo RHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 3.58.
Jhon Leon RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.60.

Monday, July 20, 2026

Game Wrap 7/20/2026: Royals 4 Giants 3

Willy Adames tied the score at 3 with a dramatic opposite-field home run in the top of the 9'th inning only to make a mental mistake by not anticipating a throw to 2B on a sac bunt in the bottom of the 9'th leading to a walk-off win for the Royals.  Key Lines:  

Heliot Ramos LF- 1 for 4, HR(9).  BA= .276.  Ramos hit a monster oppo-field home run in the 4'th inning to give the Giants a short-lived lead.  Doesn't he still have the only splash hit by a RH batter at Oracle Park?

Willy Adames SS- 1 for 4, HR(18).  BA= .228.  Adames' HR was not as long as Heliot's but it drove in Jung-Hoo Lee RF ahead of him to tie the game.  

Daniel Susac C- 2 for 3, 2B, SB(2).  BA= .264.  Nice game for Susac. Unfortunately he did not figure into the scoring. He did make a nice tag at the plate to complete a double play on a potential sac fly.  

Trevor McDonald RHP- 4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.12.  McDonald lost his slider somewhere around the second inning and was throwing only sinkers.  Was that due to an injury?  As he completed his warmup for the 5'th inning he appeared to flinch and raise his left shoulder like maybe he was trying to stretch out a muscle in his left side.  After some gestures toward the dugout he appeared to wave the trainer out with his glove.  After some discussion with the trainer and Tony Vitello, he walked off the field and J. T. Brubaker RHP was summoned

J. T. Brubaker RHP- 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 2.74.  Brubaker is eligible for free agency after this season so should be available for trade before the deadline.  I am sure he has some value as a multi-inning reliever for some contending team.  

Caleb Kilian RHP- 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 4.81.  This one was not really his fault.  The leadoff batter, Josh Rojas slapped one just inside the 3B line and was held to a single but Heliot Ramos' quickly getting to the ball.  Adames fateful failure to get to the 2B bag on a sac bunt attempt put runners at first and second with no outs.  A flyball out advanced Rojas to 3B and a safety squeeze that Bryce Eldridge bobbled drove in the walk-off winning run.

The Giants scored 3 runs for the third game in a row losing all three.  This was the 25'th game they have scored exactly 3 runs.  Not sure what their W-L is for those 25 games but I believe it's underwater.

Tyler Mahle RHP tries to break the 3-game losing streak tomorrow evening against Luinder Avila RHP who comes in with an ERA of 5.08.

I came across a Youtube video of a Dave Flemming interview from this morning's Murph and Mac Show on KNBR.  Although he did not call out anyone in management by name, he was rather blunt and pointed in his assessment of the current state of the team and what needs to be done at the trade deadline.  I thought his comments about the Giants approach to building a pitching staff compared to the rest of the league were eyebrow-raising to say the least.

Down on the Farm: 7/19/2026

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes 5-1.

Scott Bandura RF- 3 for 5,  2B.  BA= .282.
Parks Harber 3B- 2 for 5.  BA= .333.
Turner Hill CF- 2 for 4, SB(19).  BA= .328.
Carson Whisenhunt LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K's.  ERA= 4.15.
Carson Seymour RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.89.

It's hard to understand why Whisenhunt is still pitching in AAA.  Maybe the trade deadline will clear a way for him to join the Giants rotation.

AA:  Erie Seawolves doubled up the Richmond Flying Squirrels 10-5.

Trevor Cohen CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .133.
Gavin Kilen SS- 2 for 5.  BA= .308.
Dakota Jordan RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .333.
Diego Velasquez 2B- 2 for 4.  BA= .296.
Logan Martin RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.69.

A+:  Hillsboro Hops buried the Eugene Emeralds 12-2.

Carlos Gutierrez LF- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .265.
Walker Martin 3B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(12).  BA= .230.
Brayan Palencia RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 6.51.

A:  Stockton Ports topped the San Jose Giants 6-3.

Lorenzo Meola SS- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(11).  BA= .264.
Dario Reynoso 3B- 2 for 3, 2B, BB, SB(16).  BA= .294.

Short season/rookie leagues were idle on Sunday as usual.

Game Wrap 7/19/2026: Mariners 6 Giants 3

A familiar mix of not starting pitching, not enough hitting, defensive mistakes and failure of the bullpen to stop the bleeding, in other words a failure in all phases of the game, led to another disheartening loss of the game and the series to the Mariners.  Key Lines:

Bryce Eldridge DH- 1 for 3, HR(10), BB, SB(1), R, RBI.  BA= .275.  Eldridge homered to CF off a 98 MPH FB from Logan Gilbert in the first inning.  He became the first 21 yo Giants player since Jack Clark to hit at least 10 HR's and is on track to beat Clark's record of 13 HR in 1977.  Orlando Cepeda hit 27 as a 21 yo in 1959. 

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 4, SB(9), R.  BA= .278.  Schmitt singled, stole a base and scored in the first inning but then committed 2 fielding errors leading to 2 unearned runs and adding to Robbie Ray's pitch count.

Robbie Ray LHP- 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 3.33.  Ray did not have his best command but he also had to battle the above described defensive breakdowns which added to his pitch count.  He allowed singles to the first two batters in the 5'th inning and one scored when Sam Hentges LHP got a GIDP which tied the game.  

Adrian Houser RHP- 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR.  ERA= 5.10.  Houser entered a tie game and failed to hold the line.  Of course, the lineup also failed to add any runs.  

The Giants move on to Kansas City with Trevor McDonald RHP facing the ageless Michael Wacha RHP who comes in with an ERA of 3.77.  

It seemed to me the Giants have scored exactly 3 runs in a lot of game this season so I decided to tally it up.  Here is the distribution:

0 Runs- 9
1 Run- 10
2 Runs- 15
3 Runs- 24
4 Runs- 5
5 Runs-7
6-9 Runs- 20
10+ Runs- 8.  

So yes, 3 runs is the mode and median of their run distribution even though their average is 4.11.  Even 4.11 is in the bottom third of the league. So, anyone saying that pitching is the problem, not hitting, is not accurate.  This team does not score enough runs and to much of their run average comes from a handful of blowout games in which they score 10 or more.

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Down on the Farm: 7/18/2026

 AAA:  Albuquerque Isotoped blasted the Sacramento River Cats 11-7.

Scott Bandura CF- 3 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .273.
Parks Harber 3B- 1 for 3, 2 BB.  BA= .286.
Bo Davidson RF- 2 for 5.  BA= .500.
Will Brennan LF- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(5).  BA= .337.
Dayson Croes 1B- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .262.
Zach Morgan C- 1 for 4, HR(1), SF.  BA= .222.
Wilkin Ramos RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.96.
Ryan Walker RHP- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

The new kids are doing well.  Will Ryan Walker get another MLB look?

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels topped the Erie Seawolves 7-6.

Gavin Kilen SS- 1 for 5, 2B.  BA= .250.
Dakota Jordan CF- 1 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .286.
Charlie Szykowny DH- 3 for 5, 2B.  BA= .248.
Ty Hanchey C- 3 for 5.  BA= .264.
Zane Zielinski 2B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .211.
Charlie McDaniel LHP- 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.18.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds defeated the Hillsboro Hops 3-1.

Carlos Gutierrez LF- 1 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .261.
Jakob Christian 1B- 1 for 1, HR(9), 2 BB.  BA= .256.
Jacob Bresnahan LHP- 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 2.92.
Mauricio Estrella RHP- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 1.42.
Ryan Slater RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's, Save(4).  ERA= 3.98.

A:  San Jose Giants beat the Stockton Ports 6-2.

Jose Ramos 2B- 2 for 5, 3B.  BA= .258.
Lorenzo Meola SS- 3 for 5, 2 2B, SB(12).  BA= .261.
Oliver Tejada LF- 1 for 3, 2B, HBP.  BA= .239.
Jordan Gottesman LHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 4.29.

This was Gottesman's best start since June 3.

ACL:  Angels crushed the Giants 13-2(Completion of suspended game).

Luis Hernandez 3B- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .292.
Rayner Arias DH- 1 for 3, HR(3).  BA= .182.
Argenis Cayama RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.00.

ACL:  Angels outscored the Giants 10-6(7 innings).

Luis Hernandez DH- 2 for 4, 2B.  BA= .293.
Fernando Gonzalez C- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .500.
Rayner Arias LF/RF- 1 for 3, HR(4), BB.  BA= .196.

2 HR's in one day for Rayner Arias. Is he starting to find a little traction?  That would be a big development for the Giant farm system.

DSL was idle for their All-Star break.

Game Wrap 7/18/2026: Mariners 4 Giants 3(10 Innings)

Logan Webb pitched 6 innings of shut out ball before stumbling in the 7'th inning.  Solo home runs by Rafael Devers and Willy Adames plus and unearned run were not enough to prevent an extra-inning loss.  Key Lines:

Bryce Eldridge DH- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .274.  The first two batters in the lineup, Arraez and Eldridge reached base 5 of 10 PA's but did not figure into the scoring mainly because the 3, 4 and 5 batters went a combined 2 for 13 with a walk.  

Rafael Devers 1B- 1 for 5, HR(20), R, RBI.  BA= .245.  Devers appears to be well on his way to surpassing 30 HR's on the season.  Is that enough production for the size of his contract?

Willy Adames SS- 1 for 4, HR(17), R, RBI.  BA= .230.  Adames fell off the pace for 30 HR's but HR's in consecutive games after the All-Star Break get him closer to being on track.  Maybe Adames might produce better with an occasional day off?  

Logan Webb RHP- 6.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K's, 2 HBP, 10/3 GO/AO.  ERA= 3.87.  It's a Quality Start but Webb was cruising to a scoreless start when he gave up a 3-run bomb to Cole Young after hitting a batter on an 0-2 pitch then walking the next batter on 4 pitches.  That tied the game setting up a walk-off win in extra-innings for the Mariners.  

The loss was the Giants 6'th time failing to extend a 3-game win streak this season.

Robbie Ray LHP goes for the series win today facing Logan Gilbert RHP who comes in with an ERA of 3.32.  

Jim Callis of mlb.com reports the Giants signed #4 overall draft choice, Jackson Flora RHP, with a signing bonus approximately $1 M below the slot bonus which frees up considerable bonus money to sign later round picks who will probably be looking for above-slot bonuses.  

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Down on the Farm: 7/17/2026

There's been a major readjustment of the Giants minor league rosters with several promotions at almost every level.  We'll try to make note of them as we come across names in the boxscores.

AAA:  Sacramento River Cats defeated the Albuquerque Isotopes 5-2.

Nate Furman 2B- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .283.
Parks Harber 3B- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .250.
Bo Davidson RF- 3 for 5.  BA= .600.
Osleivis Basabe SS- 3 for 4, BB.  BA= .267.
Turner Hill CF- 2 for 5.  BA= .328.
Blade Tidwell RHP- 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.40.
Braxton Roxby RHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.62.
Joe Whitman LHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.13.

Parks Harber and Bo Davidson have successful AAA debuts. 

AA:  Erie Seawolves beat the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-2.

Gavin Kilen SS- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .333.
Dakota Jordan CF- 1 for 3, BB, SB.  BA= .333.
Diego Velasquez 2B- 1 for 3, BB.  BA= .292.
Yunior Marte RHP- 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 5.20.

Freshly promoted players Trevor Cohen RF, Kilen and Jordan batted 1, 2, 3 in the Squirrels lineup.  Cohen went 0 for 5.  

A+:  Eugene Emeralds topped the Hillsboro Hops 6-2.

Isaiah Barkett 2B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .500.
Carlos Gutierrez LF- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .261.
Zander Darby 3B- 2 for 4, HR(8).  BA= .263.
Walker Martin SS- 2 for 4.  BA= .224.
Hunter Dryden RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.70.
Esmerlin Vinicio LHP- 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.12.
Liam Simon RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 5.97.
Gerelmi Maldonado RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.57.

Isaiah Barkett does not miss a beat in first A+ game.

A:  Stockton Ports outscored the San Jose Giants 7-6.

Lorenzo Meola SS- 1 for 5, HR(10).  BA= .255.
Junior Barajas C- 2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .238.
Dario Reynoso 3B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .294.
Andy Polanco CF- 3 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .265.
Keyner Martinez RHP- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 4.36.
Fernando Vasquez RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.35.
Chen-Hsun Lee RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 0.00.

Lorenzo Meola is batting .404 with 4 HR's in July.

ACL:  Giants shut out the A's 3-0(7 innings).

Josuar Gonzalez SS- 1 for 2, 2B, BB.  BA= .360.
Adrian Sugastey DH- 2 for 3.  BA= .357.
Darien Smith RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.  ERA= 4.50.
Leandro Rodriguez LHP- 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.18.

I wonder if the Giants will give Josuar Gonzalez a preview of A ball before the end of the season?

DSL:  Giants Black topped the Nationals 7-6.

Djean Macares CF(18 yo)- 2 for 4, BB, 3 SB(16).  BA= .257.
Franco Willias LF- 2 for 4, HR(5), SB(17).  BA= .342.
Dennys Riera 3B- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(4).  BA= .324.
Diego Alambarrio C(18 yo)- 2 for 4.  BA= .231/
Alexander Camacaro 2B(18 yo)- 2 for 4, HR(1).  BA= .281.
Luis Hernandez RHP- 5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.40.

DSL:  Angels blasted Giants Orange 13-6.

Yeison Oviedo SS(18 yo)- 3 for 5.  BA= .337.
Yoxander Benitez 2B- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .275.
Jose Valdez CF(17 yo)- 1 for 3, 3B, BB.  BA= .252.  

Game Wrap 7/17/2026: Giants 7 Mariners 0


Landen Roupp and two relievers shut down the Mariners while Bryce Eldridge and Willy Adames powered the lineup  and the Giants ended up cruising to an easy win.  Key Lines:

Bryce Eldridge DH- 1 for 5, HR(9), R, 2 RBI.  BA= .269.  Eldridge broke the scoreless tie in the 5'th with a 2-run HR.

Jung Hoo Lee RF- 3 for 4, HBP, 2 R.  BA= .307.  Lee's 103 hit ties him for 12'th in MLB.  His .307 BA is 6'th.

Willy Adames SS- 1 for 5, HR(16), R, 4 RBI.  BA= .229.  Adames grand slam HR capped the Giants scoring in the 7'th inning.  The Giants lead MLB with 8 grand slam home runs on the season.  On the downside, Adames committed his 14'th error which ties him for second highest by shortstops in MLB.  

Drew Cavanaugh C- 2 for 2, 2 BB, R.  BA= .265.  Interesting that Susac was activated before the game and Eric Haase DFA'd but Cavanaugh started at catcher against the RHP.  They may now be in a strict L-R platoon.  

Casey Schmitt 3B- 2 for 5, SB(8), R.  BA= .282.  Schmitt has a 5-game hit streak with 3 2-hit games.  

Landen Roupp RHP- 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K's, 13/3 GO/AO.  ERA= 3.98.  4 of Roupp's last 5 starts were Quality Starts.  This was his first scoreless start since his first on March 30.

Jason Foley RHP and Caleb Kilian RHP pitched clean 8'th and 9'th innings respectively.  

Logan Webb RHP comes back from not playing in the All-Star game to face Bryan Woo RHP who comes in with a 4.23 ERA.

Friday, July 17, 2026

Down on the Farm: 7/16/2026

 ACL:  Giants edged out the Guardians 3-2.

Adrian Sugastey DH(Rehab):  2 for 4.  BA= .320.
Fernando Gonzalez C(24 yo):  1 for 3, HR(1).  BA= .400.
Evan Estevez 1B(18 yo)- 1 for 2, HR(7), BB.  BA= .253.
Brayan Narvaez RHP(21 yo)- 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.71.
Jose T Perez RHP(22 yo)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.43.

If you are looking for a deep sleeper in the Giants system, Evan Estevez and his 7 HR's are tied for 16'th in HR's for the ACL but tied for 4'th among players 18 yo or younger.  

DSL:  Giants Black tamed Tigers 1 9-3.

Luis Padron DH(16 yo)-  3 for 4.  BA= .400.
Alexander Camacaro 2B(18 yo)- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .271.
Brayan Cabello RHP(22 yo)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 1.52.
Rainiel Duran RHP(22 yo)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.28.

DSL:  Giants Orange shut out the Braves 5-0.

Yeison Oviedo 2B(18 yo)- 2 for 2, BB.  BA= .323.
Ricardo Crespo LF(19 yo)- 1 for 3, 3B.  BA= .289.
Mario Gonzalez RHP- 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K's.  ERA= 7.08.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

2025 Draft Review: MLB First Round

Just for the fun of it we will assign a letter grade which is based on to-date performance only, not on future value.  

1.  Nationals:  Eli Willits SS HS.  DOB:  12/9/2007.  B-S, T-R.  6' 1", 180 lbs.

A:  .300/.418/.500, 6 HR, 29 SB, 16.4 BB%, 23.3 K%, 232 PA.
A+:  .227/.409/.466, 6 HR, 9 SB, 21.7 BB%, 17.4 K%, 115 PA.  

Terrible BABIP luck since promotion to A+ but otherwise his line looks better than A ball.  Ultra athlete who will be a superstar if he continues to hit like this.  Grade A

2.  Angels:  Tyler Bremner RHP College.  DOB:  4/20/2004.  6' 2", 190 lbs.

A+:  0-3, 4.24, 34 IP, 12.71 K/9, 3.18 BB/9.  

Started the season strong but missed a month with arm fatigue and performance has not been the same since.  That's the risk with drafting pitchers.  Grade C.

3.  Mariners:  Kade Anderson LHP College.  DOB:  7/6/2004.  6' 2", 180 lbs. 

AA:  8-1, 1.36, 72.2 IP, 13.38 K/9, 1.24 BB/9.

And here is the upside to drafting an ace college pitcher.  We can only hope Jackson Flora takes this trajectory.  Grade A+!

4.  Rockies:  Ethan Holliday SS HS.  DOB:  2/23/2007.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 210 lbs. 

A:  .262/.395/.557, 9 HR, SB, 15.1 BB%, 28.3 K%, 152 PA.  

Age appropriate level for a player drafted out of HS.  Looking like more of a 3-true outcomes profile but as long as the K rate stays below 30% it's probably manageable and a natural byproduct of the plate discipline.  BABIP of .319 is only slightly above the mean.  Grade B+.

5.  Cardinals:  Liam Doyle LHP College.  DOB:  6/3/2004.  6' 2", 220 lbs.  

AA:  1-5, 5.46, 56 IP, 12.05 K/9, 5.30 BB/9.  

Hard throwing lefty drafted out of Tennessee.  AA is an aggressive placement but the performance is disappointing for the pedigree.  Too many walks and HR's are holding him back.  Home runs are a byproduct of an extreme flyball tendency plus a HR/FB of 15%.  Grade C.

6.  Pirates:  Seth Hernandez RHP HS.  DOB:  6/28/2006.  6' 4", 190 lbs.

A:  3-0, 0.96, 28 IP, 16.07 K/9, 2.25 BB/9.  
A+: 3-1, 3.73, 41 IP, 14.48 K/9, 3.91 BB/9.

Dominated age-appropriate A ball.  Not as dominant but more than holding his own with an aggressive promotion to A+.  Grade A.

7.  Marlins:  Aiva Arquette SS College.  DOB:  10/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 220 lbs.

A+:  .276/.333/.517, 4 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 5 SB, 6.3 BB%, 27.0 K%, 63 PA.
AA:  .221/.279/.434, 7 HR, 7 SB, 6.5 BB%, 18 K%, 122 PA.

Sample sizes are small enough there is probably significant noise and the AA BABIP should regress upward.  The power/speed combo seems legit.  Currently sidelined with a thumb injury.  Grade B.

8.  Blue Jays:  JoJo Parker SS HS.  DOB:  8/8/2006.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 200 lbs.

A:  .242/.381/.426, 18 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 21 SB, 17.1 BB%, 24.7 K%, 328 PA.

Early 3-true outcomes profile but only subpar number is BA which many analysts ignore.  Could probably stand to be a bit more aggressive at the plate but that partly depends on organizational philosophy.  Grade B.

9.  Reds:  Steele Hall SS HS.  DOB:  7/24/2007.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 180 lbs. 

ACL:  .286/.387/.532, 16 2B, 10 HR, 24 SB, 13.5 BB%, 24.2 K%, 244 PA.

Nice numbers but a conservative placement for a #9 overall draft pick.  Grade B.

10.  White Sox:  Billy Carlson HS.  DOB:  7/29/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 185 lbs.

.257/.374/.335, 8 SB, 15.3 BB%, 25.4 K%, 177 PA.  

Just started a rehab assignment in the ACL after a 6 week IL stint for a fracture of the tip of his left thumb.  Decent numbers before the injury but with no power.  Grade C.

11.  A's:  Jamie Arnold LHP College.  DOB:  3/21/2004.  6' 1", 188 lbs. 

AA:  4-5, 4.15, 80.1 IP, 9.52 K/9, 4.26 BB/9, 2.41 GB/FB.  

K/BB comes up a bit short but AA is an aggressive placement.  Grade B.

12.  Rangers:  Gavin Fien SS HS.  DOB:  3/8/2007.  6' 3", 200 lbs.

A(Nationals):  .249/.335/.425, 9 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 4 SB, 11.8 BB%, 28.1 K%, 221 PA.  

Drafted by the Rangers as a SS then traded to the Nationals and moved to the OF.  

High K rate is holding him down a little but still young.  Grade B.

13.  Giants:  Gavin Kilen SS College.  DOB:  3/28/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 187 lbs.

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

Performing to what the Giants drafted him for.  Strong contact numbers with moderate power.  A veritable doubles machine.  Giants must think he is progressing enough to justify a post-All-Star break promotion to AA.  Grade B+(If he puts up similar numbers in AA his grade improves to an A).  

14.  Rays:  Daniel Pierce SS HS.  DOB:  8/4/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 185 lbs.  

A:  .252/.336/.390, 5 2B, 4 HR, 6 SB, 7.9 BB%, 28.6 K%, 140 PA.  

Fairly average stat line for a HS draftee in his first full season in A ball.  Unfortunately Pierce must have suffered a serious injury as he hit the 60-day IL on June 9 after his last game on 5/30. Grade C(although serious injuries early in a player's career can have long lasting results).   

15.  Red Sox:  Kyson Witherspoon RHP College.  DOB:  8/12/2004.  6' 2", 220 lbs.

A+:  2-4, 5.07, 65.2 IP, 9.46 K/9, 4.39 BB/9.  

Late riser in the draft cycle. Those guys often don't work out.  Grade C.

16.  Twins:  Marek Houston  SS College.  DOB:  4/14/2004.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 205 lbs.

A+:  .325/.406/.461, 14 2B, 3B, 5 HR, 24 SB, 11.9 BB%, 18.3 K%. 
AA:  .304/.380/.464, 3 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 11 SB, 11.4 BB%, 17.7 BB%.

Wow! Not much to quibble about in these lines.  Twins have to be feeling pretty good about this draft.  Grade A!

17.  Cubs:  Ethan Conrad OF College.  DOB:  7/5/2004.  B-L, T-L.  6' 2", 220 lbs.

ACL:  .412/.500/.647, 2B, HR, SB, 9.5 BB%, 9.5 K%, 21 PA.
A:  .071/.133/.286, HR, 6.7 BB%, 26.7 K%, 15 PA.

Had shoulder surgery his senior year of college at Wake Forest then got a late start this spring due to a lower back injury.  Extremely small pro sample size.  Grade D(may perform better if he is now healthy but that is a lot of delayed development).

18.  D'Backs:  Kayson Cunningham SS HS.  DOB:  6/25/2006.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 182 lbs.

A:  .381/.471/.506, 11 2B, 4 3B, HR, 10 SB, 14.5 BB%, 18.4 K%, 207 PA.
A+:  .202/.303/.286, 4 2B, HR, 4 SB, 13.1 BB%, 22.2 K%, 99 PA.

Rated one of the best hit tools in the 2025 draft.  Numbers don't refute that notion.  BABIP took a hit after promotion to A+ but that is an aggressive promotion forced by huge numbers in age-appropriate A ball.  Grade A.

19.  Orioles:  Ike Irish C College.  DOB:  11/26/2003.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 201 lbs. 

A+:  .262/.376/.468, 16 2B, 3B, 12 HR, 18 SB, 13.4 BB%, 22.3 K%, 314 PA.

Highest rated catcher in the draft with excellent performance at age-appropriate level.  Grade A.

20.  Brewers:  Andrew Fischer 3B College.  DOB:  5/25/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 210 lbs.  

A+:  .298/.443/.675, 20 HR, 4 SB, 18.3 BB%, 33.3 K%, 246 PA.
AA:  .274/.424/.753, 9 HR, 5 SB, 18.5 BB%, 33.7 K%, 92 PA.

Another Tennessee stud.  Huge power.  High K's suggest a 3-true outcomes profile but can't deny those 29 HR's which continued unabated after an aggressive promotion.  Grade A.

21.  Astros:  Xavier Neyens SS HS.  DOB:  10/29/2006.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 210 lbs. 

A:  .240/.449/.462, 14 HR, 16 SB, 25.9 BB%, 30.2 K%, 305 PA.

3 true outcomes profile here.  Gets an aggressive promotion to A+ to start tomorrow.  Grade A.

22.  Braves:  Tate Southisene SS HS.  DOB:  10/6/2006.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 180 lbs.

A:  297/.429/.500, 9 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 36 SB, 15.4 BB%, 21.3 K%, 240 PA.
A+:  .234/.375/.423, 8 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 7 SB, 16.9 BB%, 25 K%, 136 PA.

I don't recall this name in predraft lists.  This was truly the year of the high school shortstop.  Terrific numbers in A ball got him an aggressive early promotion to A+.  Grade A.

23.  Royals:  Sean Gamble OF HS.  DOB:  7/6/2006.  B-L, T-R.  6' 1", 188 lbs.

A:  .188/.307/.278, 10 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 23 SB, 12.0 BB%, 26.0 K%, 342 PA.  

You can see the tools in the line but has some work to do on batting skills.  Grade D.

24.  Tigers:  Jordan Yost SS HS.  DOB:  12/21/2006.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 170 lbs.

A:  .255/.387/.340, 9 2B, 2 3B, HR, 9 SB, 14.3 BB%, 13.0 K%, 230 PA.

Light on power but good contact with some speed.  Grade B.

25.  Padres:  Kruz Schoolcraft LHP, HS.  DOB:  4/18/2007.  6' 8", 229 lbs.

A:  1-5, 6.59, 54.2 IP, 9.38 K/9, 5.93 BB/9, 1.66 GB/FB.  

This is the kid I drooled over predraft.  Boom or bust pick.  Struggles with command/control not surprising for a kid this size but overall a disappointing first full pro season.  Maybe I'll have to figure out when he is pitching and make a trip down to Lake Elsinore to see him for myself.  Grade C.

26.  Phillies:  Gage Wood RHP College.  DOB:  12/15/2003.  6' 0", 205 lbs.

A:  0-2, 3.42, 26.1 IP, 13.67 K/9, 4.10 BB/9, 2.00 GB/FB.
AA:  0-1, 3.45, 28.2 IP, 12.24 K/9, 2.83 BB/9, 1.13 GB/FB.

Started out the season with a conservative placement in A ball then skipped the age-appropriate A+ level for an aggressive promotion to AA, but doing well there in a limited sample size.  Grade A.

27.  Guardians:  Jace LaViolette OF College.  DOB:  12/4/2003.  B-L, T-L.  6' 6", 228 lbs. 

A+:  .236/.340/.449, 13 2B, 2 3B, 14 HR, 8 SB, 12.1 BB%, 36.5 K%, 323 PA.

Polarizing player leading up to the draft.  Was preseason #1 overall in some predraft, preseason rankings but stock dropped due to inconsistent junior season and severe hit-tool concerns.  So far staying true to his 3-true outcomes profile but the K rate is concerning to say the least.  Will it play at higher levels?  Grade C.

28.  Royals:  Josh Hammond SS HS.  DOB:  9/21/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 210 lbs.

A:  .282/.354/.404, 17 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 19 SB, 10.0 BB%, 20.2 K%, 351 PA.

Yet another HS shortstop I don't remember in predraft chatter.  Nice start at age appropriate level.  Grade B+.

29.  D'Backs:  Patrick Forbes RHP College.  DOB:  7/11/2004.  6' 3", 220 lbs.

A+:  0-0, 2.84, 12.2 IP, 12.08 K/9, 1.42 BB/9, 1.50 GB/FB.  

Got a late start to the season due to some sort of elbow injury.  Nice start in an extremely small sample.  Grade C(but room for big jump up in second half if he can stay healthy).

30.  Orioles:  Caden Bodine C, College.  DOB:  12/2/2003.  5' 10", 200 lbs.

A(Rays):  .379/.433/.614, 12 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 9.2 BB%, 3.9 K%, 152 PA.
A+(Rays):  .341/.411/.477, 6 2B, 4 HR, 7.3 BB%, 6.6 K%, 151 PA.
AA(Rays):  .289/.391/.447, 3 2B, HR, 10.9 BB%, 8.7 K%, 46 PA.

I did not remember that the O's took two catchers in the first round of this draft.  They traded Bodine to the Rays along with 2 other prospects for Shane Baz RHP.  Contact hitter extraordinaire.  Baz has put up 2.2 fWAR so far for the O's but they may regret this trade down the road.  

I've read comments by draft analysts that 2025 is looking like an extremely weak draft, even disastrous.  I think that may be due to weakness in the college pitching drafted in the top half of the first round, but it looks to me like there is unexpectedly strong value in the bottom half of the first round, especially among HS shortstops.  

Down on the Farm: 7/15/2026

ACL:  Giants defeated the Royals 7-5.

Luis Hernandez SS(17 yo)- 2 for 3, 2B, 3B, BB.  BA= .297.
Rayner Arias LF(20yo)- 1 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .186.
Luke Mensik RHP(18 yo)- 3 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's.  ERA= 5.45.
Jose Rengel LHP(20 yo)- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 6.75.
Melvin Pineda RHP(22 yo)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 2.59.

 Someone asked for a scouting report on Mensik.  I don't have one.  He has decent K and GB rates.  Walk rate is a bit high but he's only 18 and working in a hitter-friendly environment.  I'll hopefully get a chance to see him next season with A San Jose.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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

 Instead of slogging through #31-50, we'll highlight the ones whose stock is clearly up.  Everyone else in that range is either stable or down.  

37.  Victor Bericoto OF/1B:  

AAA:  .299/.355/.449, 6 HR, 8.1 BB%, 18.8 K%, 186 PA.
MLB:  .293/.305/.552, 4 HR, SB, 1.7 BB%, 25.4 K%, 59 PA.  

Bericoto has been quietly rising up the prospect ranks and the bat has played at every level although he seemed to be a man without a position.  He had a great spring training where he hit everything hard and continued to hit well in AAA Sacramento putting himself in a position for a call up when injuries hit the Giant OF.  He's made the most of that opportunity too and has looked surprisingly athletic in the with a strong throwing arm(he started his pro career as a catcher in the DSL).  He has massive strength across the upper chest and shoulders and he uses that to get the bat head out to meet pitches in front of the plate getting tremendous leverage on drives to the left-center, producing tape-measure distances.  LF is probably his best position in Oracle Park where the Giants also have a guy names Heliot Ramos with unreal power potential.   Stock Up!

38. Scott Bandura OF:

AA:  .324/.430/.479, 9 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 10 SB, 14.4 BB%, 17.2 K%, 174 PA.
AAA:  .262/.345/.387, 8 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 9 SB, 10.6 BB%, 18.1 K%, 199 PA. 

Bandura struggled after a promotion to AA last season but apparently put the experience to good use and came back this season with a strong batting line earning a surprisingly early promotion to AAA.  It would be a very cool story to see Mo'ne Davis little league catcher make it all the way to Oracle Park.  Stock Up!

41.  Cesar Perdomo LHP:

AA:  2-4, 3.98, 72.1 IP, 11.07 K/9, 2.74 BB/9.
AAA:  1-0, 1.80, 5 IP, 11.06 K/9, 2.79 BB/9.  

Another surprise early promotion but Perdomo had excellent K/BB in AA so the player development team was probably looking more at the quality of his pitches than the ERA.  Just a one game sample in AAA but this is exciting since I was impressed by his pitch mix when I saw him pitch for A San Jose in 2024.  Stock Up!

46.  Jonah Cox OF:  

AA:  .400/.453/.644, 11 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 27 SB, 8.7 BB%, 16.9 K%, 183 PA.
MLB:  .269/.269, .500, 2B, 3B, HR, 4 SB, 0.0 BB%, 51.7 K%, 29 PA.

OK, before you start throwing darts or rotten tomatoes for ranking Cox too low, guys who bat .227 and then .257 in A+ ball are not expected to put up video game numbers in AA, let along score a promotion to MLB without a single PA in AAA.  Cox does have game-changing speed so if the improvement in the bat is for real he could be a real impact CF.  Giants are going to have some sorting out to do with that position.  Stock Up!

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects Review: #21-30

 21.  Carlos De La Rosa LHP:

ACL:  4-2, 6.21, 42 IP, 9.86 K/9, 4.93 BB/9, 1.77 GB/FB.

Has had a couple of really good starts but inconsistent command holds him back.  Still only 18 yo.  Stock Stable.

22.  Yunior Marte RHP:

A+:  6-1, 3.74, 43.1 IP, 8.52 K/9, 3.95 BB/9.
AA:  0-2, 5.74, 31.1 IP, 10.34 K/9, 2.87 BB/9.  

Secondary stats say he's pitched quite a bit better at AA than A+ but the ERA is a full 2 runs higher.  Stock Stable.

23.  Trevor Cohen OF:

A+:  .297/.387/.416, 26 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 26 SB, 12.6 BB%, 13.7 K%, 380 PA.

Solid season so far showing combination of excellent plate discipline and contact which is very hard to achieve.  Speed to steal bases and gap power.  Fits the classic CF/leadoff batter profile.  Stock Up!

24.  Rayner Arias OF:

ACL:  .176/.317/.294, 2 HR, 3 SB, 9.6 BB%, 31.7 K%, 104 PA.

Man, do you remember when this kid got a 7-figure signing bonus and all the analysts said he had advanced skills and would be a fast mover?  That was a long time ago!  Has never found traction after a series of wrist injuries.  Stock Down.

25.  Joe Whitman LHP:

AA:  5-1, 3.22, 50.1 IP, 11.62 K/9, 2.32 BB/9. 1.52 GB/FB.
AAA:  3-2, 4.26, 31.2 IP, 7.39 K/9, 2.30 BB/9, 1.50 GB/FB.

What's going on here?  Strong start to the season in AA then some good starts after a promotion to AAA.  Just as it looked like he might be in line for a potential call up, especially after the trade deadline, he started showing up in boxscores pitching out of the bullpen.  Stock Up?

26.  Drew Cavanaugh C:

AA:  .279/.456/.515, 7 2B, 3 HR, 3 SB, 18.9 BB%, 23.3 K%, 90 PA.
AAA:  .330/.445/.571, 9 2B, 6 HR, 3 SB, 13.1 BB%, 24.8 K%, 137 PA.
MLB:  .219/.324/.219/.13.2 BB%, 23.7 K%, 38 PA. 

Has hit at every level with elite plate discipline.  Called up during Daniel Susac's stay on the IL with good quality AB's but with some bad BABIP luck.  Stock Up.
 
27.  Justin Dean OF:  DFA 1/6/2026.  Claimed by Cubs.  .238 BA in AAA this season.

LOL!  Sometimes tough to know what offseason signings will stick and which ones will churn their way out of the organization.  Might have given as much value as a defense-first CF as Harrison Bader for a fraction of the cost.  Stock Nonexistent.  

28.  Dayson Croes 2B:

AA:  .264/.315/.372, 6 2B, 2 3B, HR, 2 SB, 6.1 BB%, 10.7 K%, 131 PA.  
AAA:  .250/.302/.339, 2 2B, HR, 2 SB, 4.6 BB%, 9.2 K%, 65 PA.

Continues high contact/low power profile but without the .300+ BA's required to have value.  I could see him getting a trial at 2B with the Giants after the trade deadline but would probably require both Arraez and Chapman to be traded so Schmitt can take over 3B. Stock Stable.

29.  Trent Harris RHP:

AAA:  2-1, 4.30, 29.1 IP, 10.43 K/9, 4.60 BB/9, 1 Save.

What's with the Giants and their relievers who walk too many batters?  Stock Stable.

30.  Wilkin Ramos RHP:

AAA:  3-2, 4.17, 36.2 IP, 8.59 K/9, 3.19 BB/9, 3.05 GB/FB.
MLB:  0-0, 22.50, 2 IP, 4.50 K/9, 18.00 BB/9, 5.00 GB/FB.

I feel like if he could get one clean MLB inning under his belt, he could be a decent reliever with extreme ground ball tendencies, but so far that hasn't happened. Stock Down.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Down on the Farm: 7/14/2026

We didn't post a Down on the Farm yesterday.  Full season leagues are all off until Friday.  The ACL game was suspended in the second inning and there was NTSH for the DSL games.  

ACL:  Giants outscored the Rangers 11-7.

Josuar Gonzalez SS- 2 for 5, SF.  BA= .363.
Luis Hernandez 3B- 1 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .291.  
Fernando Gonzalez C- 2 for 3, 2B, HR(1), HBP.  BA= .667.
Anthony Marquez 2B- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .261.
Evan Estevez 1B- 2 for 5.  BA= .256.
Carlos Concepcion RF- 3 for 4, 2B, BB.  BA= .241.
Argenis Cayama RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 3.00.
Logan Martin RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.87.

DSL:  Giants Black destroyed Blue Jays Blue 11-3.

Djean Macares CF- 2 for 4, 2 BB, SB(13).  BA= .248.
Franco Willias DH- 4 for 5, BB, SB(14).  BA= .336.
Dennys Riera 3B- 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB. BA= .323.
Edwin Reynoso LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.20.
Delvis Heredia RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 7.43.

DSL:  Braves shut out Giants Orange 1-0(7 innings).

NTSH.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Midseason Review #11-20

11.  Blade Tidwell RHP:

AAA:  1-3, 4.40, 57.1 IP, 10.20 K/9, 4.24 BB/9.
MLB:  0-0, 3.00, 12 IP, 7.50 K/9, 2.25 BB/9, 1 Save.

Tidwell was called up on April 2 for a reliever role and performed well in 8 appearance and earned a Save.  He was then optioned down to AAA after giving up 2 runs on 4/28 along with a statement that he was going to be stretched out to start.  Given the Giants severe bullpen struggles and Tidwell's mixed results as a SP in AAA it's a bit baffling he has not been recalled.  Stock Stable.

12:  Carson Whisenhunt LHP:

AAA:  5-4, 4.42, 77.1 IP, 9.54 K/9, 4.31 BB/9.
MLB:  2-0, 3.38, 10.2 IP, 5.06 K/9, 5.06 BB/9.

Whiz is noticeably bigger and stronger looking than last season and his FB is up a half-tick.  While his secondary stats in a small MLB sample size are admittedly concerning he held his own in two starts then was immediately sent back down after each one.  Hopefully the trade deadline will open up a rotation slot for him to continue his development at the MLB level in the second half.  Stock Slightly Up.

13.  Drew Gilbert OF:

AAA:  .289/.389/.400, HR, 10.7 BB%, 8.9 K%, 56 PA.
MLB:  .237/.318/.374, 4 HR, 8.8 BB%, 17.1 K%, 216 PA.

Drew Gilbert is a bit of a polarizing player with the fanbase due in no small part to his hyper-"mad puppy" personality and on-field celebrations which sometimes drift into poor taste to put it mildly.  On the surface his stat line is nothing to get excited about but comes with an extreme R-L split with just 1 hit, 1 BB and 1 Sac in 30 PA's against LHP's but a .272 BA against RHP's.  He is also batting .304 so far in July.  While I am not a fan of some of his antics, I like him as a player and see him as a Lenny Dykstra mini-me without the roids.  He may be limited to a platoon or 4'th OF role due to his extreme split. Stock Stable to slightly Up.

14.  Jesus Rodriguez C:

AAA:  .274/.353/.405, 5 HR, 7 SB, 10.9 BB%, 11.3 K%, 221 PA.
MLB:  .238/.304, 405, 2 HR, 1 BB, 6.5 BB%, 10.9 K%, 46 PA.

Rodriguez has an ultra-short, quick swing which produces high contact with some power.  He's still trying to find a position.  The obvious path to the majors is at catcher but he had exchange issues and a scatter arm which makes him a liability at limiting opposing running games.  He's trying to improve that in the minors but he may be more of LF or 1B/DH in the majors which is problematic given the Giants roster construction.  Stock Stable.

15.  Daniel Susac C:

AAA:  .464/.545/.821, 3 HR, 2 SB, 9.1 BB%, 6.1 K%, 33 PA.
MLB:  .262/.310/.330, 5.2 BB%, 23.5 K%, 115 PA.

The AAA line is from a rehab assignment.  Susac is a Rule 5 Draftee who must stay on the active roster all season or be offered back to the A's.  I don't think that will happen as he sports a positive Def for his catching defense.  The bat cooled off after a hot start but he's showing he's too good for AAA in his rehab stint.  Stock Up.

16.  Parks Harber 1B/3B:

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

There is not much to not like in this stat line.  Parks may be stuck in positional hell as a corner IF but he's also played LF and even 3 games in CF for the Flying Squirrels.  Stock Up(for a terrific batting line at a tough level).

17.  Carlos Gutierrez OF:

A+:  .260/.366/.434, 9 HR, 20 SB, 13.9 BB%, 20.1 K%, 303 PA.  

I saw Gutierrez play last year with A San Jose and thought he had the best all around tools on that team.  His 2025 season ended early due to an injury but he's stayed healthy at the higher level this season.  Batting .343 so far in July so looking for a big second half.  Very nice combination of tools and plate discipline.  Not Rule 5 eligible until Dec. 2027.  Stock Stable.

18.  Dakota Jordan OF:

A+:  .290/.346/.533, 18 HR, 15 SB, 7.9 BB%, 27.9 K%, 355 PA.  

Dakota Jordan is the guy who looks and has the athleticism of a football halfback.  He's pretty much put concerns about the bat to rest.  I was concerned about potential for muscle strains given the body type but he's stayed healthy so far this season with no sign of residual from last year's hammy.  Hit a hard double in the Future's Game and is ticketed for a promotion to AA after the break.  Stock Up!

19.  Argenis Cayama RHP:

A:  3-0, 4.50, 37 IP, 11.43 K/9, 1.95 BB/9, 1.84 GB/FB.  

I did not realize Cayama's K/BB was that good until I just now looked up his stat line on Fangraphs.  I saw him pitch in Ontario.  He was impressive with a sinking mid-90's FB and a sharp slider.  Ran into similar stamina problems as Keyner Martinez in the game I saw but he's two years younger than Martinez.  Looks like he is currently rehabbing in Arizona.  Promising young pitcher.  Stock Stable.

20.  Luis De La Torre LHP:   

A+:  3-6, 5.17, 69.2 IP, 12.01 K/9, 7.11 BB/9.  

Appeared to have a breakout season last year between the ACL and A ball flashing a 3-pitch mix but has struggled with control/command so far at the higher level.  Stock Down.

DrB's 2026 Giants Top 50 Prospects: Midseason Review #1-10

Since we have a major break in baseball action to report on with both the major leagues and the full season minor leagues shut down for the All-Star Break until Friday, we have some time to check in on how our Top 50 preseason prospects are faring.  As in the past, we'll assign them a Stock Up, Stock Down or Stock Stable after reviewing their first half stat lines.  

1.  Bryce Eldridge 1B/DH:  

AAA:  .333/.445/.518, 5 HR, 14.6 BB%, 29.9 K%, 137 PA.
MLB:  .271/.364/.468, 8 HR, 12.9 BB%, 24.4 K%, 217 PA.  

Giants fans have become conditioned to expect the worst when a highly touted prospect is promoted to the MLB team.  Eldridge's strikeout rate of 30% in AAA did not assuage many fears but the kid has done just fine, making adjustments each time it looks like the league figures out his weak spot.  First it was a steady diet of breaking balls, then fastballs on the hands.  He just pulled his arms in and launched that sucker into McCovey Cove.  Officially graduated so won't be on next season's list.  Stock Way Up!

2.  Josuar Gonzalez SS:  

ACL:  .360/.479/.533, HR, 7 SB, 18.1 BB%, 22.3 K%, 94 PA.

Slowed by a nagging hamstring injury most of the season, Gonzalez has great numbers when he's played after a promotion to the ACL which is often a tough jump for Dominican Dandies.  Stock Up.

3.  Luis Hernandez SS:

ACL:  .292/.370/.536, 6 HR, 5 SB, 9.9 BB%, 18.2 K%, 192 PA.

Assigned to the ACL as a 17 yo in his first pro season, Hernandez started out blazing hot but has cooled off considerably in the last month.  Still very impressive numbers at a level above his age, especially the power.  Stock Up.

4.  Bo Davidson OF:

AA:  .277/.340/.521, 19 HR, 14 SB, 8.9 BB%, 23.5 K%, 315 PA.

The AA Eastern League has been the place where Giants hitting prospects hit the wall.  Davidson got off to a slow start but then caught fire in June and hit 13 HR's with a .300+ BA since.  Giants announced he is getting a promotion to AAA after the All-Star Break.  A bit of caution for a severe L-R split.  Stock  Up!

5.  Jhonny Level SS:

A:  .325/.392/.576, 14 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 11 SB, 7.8 BB%, 16.6 K%, 217 PA.
A+:  .302/.342/.456, 17 2B, 2 HR, 6 SB, 3.8 BB%, 17.1 K%, 158 PA.

Level dominated the A Cal League and moved up to A+.  It looks like he's had to speed up his bat at the higher level and some of the HR's turned into doubles.  Still very impressive for a 19 yo.  Based on my in-person scouting report, he looks more like a 2B than a SS.  Stock Up.

6.  Gavin Kilen SS/2B:  

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

I have to say I was a bit surprised at how strong this line is.  It's exactly what you would expect for his college profile and it's exactly what the Giants drafted him to do. He played both SS and 2B but mostly SS.  I still think he projects more as a 2B.  Stock Stable.

7.  Keyner Martinez RHP:

A:  3-3, 4.50, 60 IP, 14.40 K/9, 5.40 BB/9.  

Overall numbers a little disappointing but the K rate shows the potential.  His pattern has been to come out blazing but runs into trouble the second time through the lineup and seems to struggle with pitching out of the stretch.  In my looks the FB ran 95-98 MPH with a sharp slider he uses to get K's.  I still believe in the ceiling but we may be looking at more of a reliever profile. Stock Down.

8.  Jacob Bresnahan LHP:

A+:  2-2, 3.02, 59.2 IP, 10.41 K/9, 4.22 BB/9.  

More steady than dominating but allowed just 1 run in 12.1 IP in two starts in July so far, so may be turning on the afterburners for the second half.  Stock Stable.

9.  Trevor McDonald RHP:  

AAA:  1-1, 5.40, 15 IP, 7.20 K/9, 9.00 BB/9, 4.40 GB/FB.
MLB:  3-7, 5.02, 66.2 IP, 7.33 K/9, 2.85 BB/9, 2.33 GB/FB, 4.05 FIP, 3.89 xERA

Runs hot and cold but has been able to bounce back after a couple of disaster starts.  As you can see from his advanced stats some of his struggles have been bad luck.  Should be OK as long as he keeps the ball on the ground and his walk rate under 3/9.  Stock Stable.  

10.  Carson Seymour RHP:  

AAA:  5-2, 4.01, 67.1 IP, 8.02 K/9, 3.88 BB/9, 2.38 GB/FB, 13.3 HR/FB, 
MLB:  0-0, 14.54, 4.1 IP, 4.15 K/9, 4.15 BB/9, 0.88 GB/FB, 12.5 HR/FB.

Extremely small sample at MLB level but continues to struggle with gofer balls at the higher level due almost entirely to not keeping the ball on the ground as he has in the minor leagues.  Maybe running out of chances with the Giants.  Stock Down.

Monday, July 13, 2026

Down on the Farm: 7/12/2026

 AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees outscored the Sacramento River Cats 11-8.

Turner Hill CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .326.
Daniel Susac C- 2 for 5, 2B, SB(2).  BA= .464.
Scott Bandura LF- 0 for 2, 3 BB, SB(9).  BA= .262.
Jake Holton 1B- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .218.
Dayson Croes 3B- 4 for 4, 2 2B.  BA= .250.
Aeverson Arteaga SS- 3 for 5.  BA= .252.
Eric Cerantola RHP- 0.1 IP, 0 H, 5 R, 5 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 33.75.
Marques Johnson RHP- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 5.34.
Michael Fulmer RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 3.47.

Gotta think Susac will be back after the break.  Not sure if Cerantola was being tried as a starter or opener, but it didn't go well.

AA:  Richmond Flying Squirrels defeated the Altoona Curve 5-3.

Bo Davidson DH- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .277.
Parks Harber 3B- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(2).  BA= .284.  
Jean Carlos Sio CF- 2 for 4, HR(8).  BA= .232.
Diego Velasquez LF- 2 for 4, 2B, SB(18).  BA= .291.
Trystan Vrieling RHP- 6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.04.
Cristian Alvarado RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(4).  ERA= 0.00.

I read that Bo Davidson is ticketed for a promotion to AAA this week.  I don't recall seeing LF  or any other OF position after Velasquez' name in boxscores before.  Trystan Vrieling allowed a total of 3 runs in 17 IP over his last 3 starts.  Recent addition Alvarado has impressed out of the bullpen.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds smacked the Spokane Indians 9-5.

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 3, BB, SB(6).  BA= .302.
Carlos Gutierrez LF- 1 for 3, BB, SB(20).  BA= .260.
Lisbel Diaz RF- 2 for 4, 2 HR(14).  BA= .263.
Zander Darby 2B- 2 for 4, 2B, HR(7).  BA= .260.
Jakob Christian DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .250.
Onil Perez C- 2 for 4.  BA= .225.
Luis De La Torre LHP- 5.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 9 K's.  ERA= 5.17.
Ubert Mejias RHP- 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 8.44.
Ryan Slater RHP- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.34.

Lisbel Diaz is 9 for 24 with 4 HR since his brief sojourn in San Jose.  Jhonny Level continues to thrive in A+ ball.  Would the Giant push him to AA before the end of the season?

A:  San Jose Giants crushed the Visalia Rawhide 12-5.

Lorenzo Meola SS- 2 for 4, 2B, 2 BB.  BA= .256.
Jeremiah Jenkins 1B- 3 for 6, 2B, HR(13).  BA= .261.
Yosneiker Rivas 2B- 2 for 5, 2B. BA= .289.
Oliver Tejada RF- 4 for 5, 2B, SB(2).  BA= .250.
Nate Nabholz RHP- 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.84.
Samir Chires RHP- 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K.  ERA= 0.00.

Short Season leagues were idle as usual on Sundays.

Game Wrap 7/12/2026: Giants 3 Rockies 1

Trevor McDonald had a bounce-back start allowing one run in 7 IP and the lineup finally broke through with the go-ahead and an an insurance run in the 8'th inning to finish the official first half on a high note.  Key Lines:

Heliot Ramos LF- 2 for 4.  BA= .275.  Heliot punched a couple of oppo-field singles in his first two AB's but his teammates weren't able to bring him around to score.  

Rafael Devers 1B- 0 for 3, BB, R.  BA= .249.  Devers led off the bottom of the 8'th inning with a walk.  He took 3B on Eldridge's one-out single.  Tony Vitello then made the key move of the game by sending Grant McCray in to run for EldridgeMcCray stole 2B drawing a wild throw from Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman which allowed Devers to score.  McCray then scored on Willy Adames single for an insurance run.  

Willy Adames SS- 3 for 4, RBI.  BA= .230.  Adames finishes the official first half with a 3-hit game.

Drew Cavanaugh C- 0 for 2, 2 BB.  BA= .219.  Cavanaugh may go back to AAA after the All-Star Break.  He hasn't hit much but has impressed with plate discipline and an OBP of .324 despite the low BA.

Trevor McDonald RHP- 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 10/4 GO/AO.  ERA= 5.02.  It's important for young pitchers to shake off bad starts.  It didn't look good when Jake McCarthy led off the game with an inside-the-park HR off the wall in the deepest part of Triples Alley but McDonald settled down and didn't allow another run over 7 innings.  

Eric Miller LHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 3.29.  It was a Win rather than a Save because the Giants scored the go-ahead run after Miller got the last out of the 8'th inning.  But is multi-inning appearances by the pitcher who finishes the game the new bullpen management?  We'll watch that after the break.  

The Giants get the next 4 days off for the All-Star break.  I'll try to put a Top 50 Prospects update together and maybe a 2025 draft review.  I stopped paying any attention to the All-Star game a long time ago.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

2026 Giants Draft Review: Rounds 5-20

 After completing a near tour-de-force on Day 1 of the 2026 draft, what did the Giants have in store for Day 2?  Let's break it down:

Round 5 #150 Luke Nixon 2B, College.  DOB:  10/1/2004.  B-L, T-R, 5' 10", 165 lbs.  

2024(NC State):  .238/.394/.349, 4 HR, 14 SB, 34 BB, 34 K, 224 PA.
2025(NC State):  .295/.386/.459, 5 HR, 14 SB, 21 BB, 37 K, 254 PA.
2025(CCBL):  .161/.266/.268, HR, 2 SB, 6 BB, 15 K, 64 PA.
2026(NC State):  .367/.452/.595, 9 HR, 11 SB, 31 BB, 36 K, 257 PA.  

Pedigree was the watchword of this year's Giants draft.  Young Luke is the son of former MLB'er Trot Nixon.  A bit undersized.  Strong hit tool but short on power.  Similar profile to Luis Arraez, Nate Furman and Dayson Croes.  The problem with these guys is their defensive options are so limited they often get passed over for better athletes moving over from other positions.  

Round 6 #179Eric Nachtsheim RHP, College.  DOB:  3/28/2004.  6' 4", 235 lbs.  

2025(McNeese St.):  2-0, 3.66, 19.2 IP, 5 BB, 21 K, 1 Save.
2026(McNeese St.):  8-4, 3.39, 93 IP, 21 BB, 129 K, 3 Saves.

Considered one of the top college senior prospects in the country.  Led NCAA D1 with 98 K's with the fastball.  Per MLB scouting report the FB parks at 92-94 MPH and peaks at 97.  Throws the FB 75% of his pitches.  Secondary stuff needs a lot of work.  Swingman in college but probably projects more as a reliever in the pros.  Ceiling depends on development of secondary pitches.

Round 7 #208Beau Bryans LHP, College.  DOB:  10/14/2003.  6' 0 ", 200 lbs. 

2024(CCBL):  2-0, 3.00, 15 IP, 6 BB, 14 K.
2025(Alabama):  1-0, 10.00, 9 IP, 15 BB, 12 K
2026(Jacksonville St):  7-1, 3.66, 66.1 IP, 43 BB, 78 K.

MLB listed him as a draft sleeper.  Reports his FB reaches 98 MPH with a 91 MPH slider.  Projects as a lefty reliever and needs to improve on his walk rates.

Round 8 #238Cody Brasch RHP, College.  DOB:  1/20/2004.  6' 3", 205 lbs. 

2026(LA-Lafayette): 6-3, 2.77, 74.2 IP, 21 BB, 82 K, 6 Saves.

College swingman.  Three pitch mix with mid-90's FB.  

Round 9 #268Mike Mancini 2B, College.  DOB:  8/24/2003.  B-L, T-R, 5' 11", 180 lbs.

2023(James Madison): .284/.413/.388, 2 HR, 11 SB, 43 BB, 46 K, 253 PA.
2023(Appy):  .318/.438/.424, HR, 24 SB, 24 BB, 22 K, 161 PA.
2024(James Madison):  .329/.419/.586, 15 HR, 29 SB, 34 BB, 55 K, 286 PA.
2024(CCBL):  .230/.310/.380, HR, 2 SB, 10 BB, 32 K, 114 PA.
2025(Vanderbilt):  .269/.398/.393, 4 HR, 18 SB, 28 BB, 43 K, 182 PA.
2026(Vanderbilt):  .305/.433/.595, 15 HR, 20 K, 43 BB, 52 K, 254 PA.

Versatile defender who can play multiple positions.  Selective hitter who draws a lot of walks but that also tends to raise his K rate which was a tad over 20% in college.

Round 10 #298Ian Korn RHP, College.  DOB:  6/20/2003.  6' 0", 205 lbs. 

2025(Seton Hall):  11-2, 1.81, 84.1 IP, 17 BB, 83 K.
2026(West Virginia):  6-1, 3.39, 79.2 IP, 13 BB, 70 K.

Round 11 #328Charlie Bussey III, OF, College.  DOB:  12/15/2003.  B-R, T-R, 6' 2", 205 lbs. 

2023(Francis Marion D2):  .259/.425/.367, 3 HR, 8 SB, 34 BB, 31 K, 199 PA.
2025(Francis Marion D2):  .437/.545/.721, 11 HR, 15 SB, 38 BB, 33 K, 242 PA.
2025(COPL):  .336/.490/.470, 4 HR, 23 SB, 37 BB, 23 K, 200 PA.
2026(Francis Marion D2):  .489/.604/866, 21 HR, 40 SB, 57 BB, 25 K, 308 PA.
2026(CCBL):  .222/.462, 259, 6 SB, 9 BB, 7 K, 39 PA. 

D2 Player of the Year with "video game" numbers.  Strength of competition is a big question so we'll have to wait for him to play pro games to see if he's for real.

Round 12 #358:  Josiah Kemp OF, HS.  DOB:  9/28/2007.  B-R, T- R.  6' 1", 185 lbs.  

Another pedigree kid.  Nephew of Matt Kemp.  PG scouting summary:  Long and athletic outfielder with huge projection, bouncy fast twitch athlete with CF tools. Outstanding at PG 16U World Series, PG underclass AA games.  He's an outstanding student committed to Oklahoma.  Giants will likely need to go considerably over slot to sign him.

Round 13 #388Colin Fisher LHP, College.  DOB:  9/21/2004.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  

2024(Arkansas):  6-1, 2.67, 27 IP, 8 BB, 27 K.
2025(Arkansas):  3-0, 4.62, 25.1 IP, 12 BB, 31 K.
2025(CCBL):  1-1, 6.11, 17.2 IP, 11 BB, 21 K.
2026(Arkansas):  4-7, 5.59, 56.1 IP, 17 BB, 58 K.
2026(CCBL):  1-1, 4.60, 15.2 IP, 6 BB, 9 K.

Good size for a lefty.  No scouting report other than review of stat lines available.

Round 14 #418Alex Solis RHP, College.  DOB:  12/3/2004.  6' 1", 190 lbs.  

2024(Houston):  1-2, 8.74, 22.2 IP, 13 BB, 29 K.
2025(Houston):  2-2, 5.23, 32.2 IP, 20 BB, 36 K.
2026(Houston):  3-2, 5.50, 37.2 IP, 11 BB, 37 K.

College reliever who will likely follow the reliever track in the pros.

Round 15 #448Drew Smith 3B, College.  DOB:  6/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 201 lbs.

2023(Oregon):  .365/.430/.552, 3 HR, 6 SB, 8 BB, 20 K, 107 PA.
2023(CACL):  .213/.319/.319, 8 SB, 9 BB, 29 K, 113 PA.
2024(Oregon):  .314/.422/.451, 4 HR, 5 SB, 29 BB, 61 K, 245 PA.
2025(Oregon):  .313/.423/.487, 5 HR, 6 SB, 23 BB, 25 K, 144 PA.
2026(Oregon):  .342/.425/.622, 16 HR, 5 SB, 30 BB, 68 K, 272 PA.

College senior with good numbers in a major college conference.  Reportedly a versatile defender who can play multiple positions.

Round 16 #478Dalton Wentz 3B, College.  DOB:  7/28/2005.  B-S, T-R.  6' 2", 215 lbs.  

2024(West Virginia):  .275/.457/.392, 17 BB, 20 K, 70 PA.
2025(Wake Forest):  .316/.393/.566, 13 HR, 26 BB, 66 K, 245 PA.
2025(CCBL):  .283/.364/.408, 3 HR, 6 SB, 17 BB, 45 K, 140 PA.
2026(Wake Forest):  .306/.414/.629, 18 HR, 42 BB, 63 K, 278 PA.

Sophomore-eligible so may require an over-slot bonus.  Switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate.  Struggles with breaking balls and off-speed pitches.  Will need to improve pitch recognition and plate discipline to find success in the pros.

Round 17 #508Tanner Mally OF, College.  DOB:  8/18/2004.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 185 lbs.

2024(GRCL):  .359/.469/.462, 12 SB, 19 BB, 8 K, 145 PA.
2025(Western Michigan): .356/.444/.439, 16 SB, 13 BB, 33 K, 240 PA.
2025(COPL):  .316/.446/.393, 2 HR, 13 SB, 14 BB, 8 K, 148 PA.
2026(Western Michigan):  .446/.554/.528, 19 SB, 24 BB, 13 K, 243 PA.

D1 batting champion and second in OBP.  Elite contact skills and some speed but hit 0 HR's in 3 college seasons.

Round 18 #538Ryder Brooks LHP, College.  DOB:  3/30/2004.  6' 3", 200 lbs.

2024(UCI):  2-1, 5.30, 35.2 IP, 12 BB, 32 K.
2025(UCI):  7-3, 5.09, 69 IP, 31 BB, 72 K.
2025(CCBL):  1-1, 4.00, 9 IP, 7 BB, 12 K, 1 Save.
2026(UCI):  2-3, 4.86, 33.1 IP, 11 BB, 41 K, 2 Saves.

College reliever with mixed results. No current scouting report.

Round 19 #568Mikey Bell 3B, College.  DOB:  2/20/2004.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 200 lbs.

2025(Gonzaga):  .360/.440/.616, 11 HR, 5 SB, 24 BB, 48 K, 235 PA.
2025(NWDS):  .355/.453/.484, 3 HR, 4 SB, 20 BB, 13 K, 150 PA.
2026(Gonzaga):  .378/.454/1.059, 9 HR, 4 SB, 27 BB, 37 K, 262 PA.

WCC Player of the Year.  Entered transfer portal to Georgia for his senior year so may not be signable.

Round 20 #598 JP Robertson RHP, College.  DOB:  1/17/2004.  6' 0", 190 lbs.

2025(NWDS):  2-1, 2.63, 48 IP, 26 BB, 59 K.
2026(Mississippi):  5-2, 4.34, 37.1 IP, 21 BB, 49 K, 1 Save.

College reliever whose FB reportedly reaches triple digits.  Redshirt sophomore at Ole Miss so may want to go back to school.

My snap grade for this draft is B+.  I really like the emphasis on pitching but pitching tends to be an inherently lower ROI than hitting in the draft.  The backbone of the draft is the 3 high-ceiling pitchers, Flora, Bolemon and Waechter.  The Giants have a good track record developing HS pitchers so I don't think TINSTAPP is a major factor here.  Peyton Bonds and Josiah Kemp are a couple of legacy lottery tickets.  The rest of the draft is mostly below-slot plays to help sign the HS kids.  The organization will be happy if one or two of them make it to the majors in even a limited role.







Down on the Farm: 7/11/2026

 AAA:  Sacramento River Cats crushed the Salt Lake City Bees 9-2.

Nate Furman 2B- 2 for 4, BB, 2 SB(16).  BA= .283.
Turner Hill RF- 3 for 5, 2B, 2 SB(18).  BA= .325.
Scott Bandura CF- 1 for 3, 2 BB, 2 SB(8).  BA= .265.
Matt Wilkinson LHP- 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 3.93.
Joe Whitman LHP- 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.26.
Reiver Sanmartin LHP- 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.82.
Juan Sanchez LHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K.  ERA= 8.16.

Lefties galore!  Looks like Joe Whitman is suddenly a reliever?  Considering the environment, Tugboat Wilkinson is doing well.

AA:  Altoona Curve defeated the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-1.

Bo Davidson CF- 3 for 5, 2 2B.  BA= .274.
Maui Ahuna SS- 3 for 4, 2B.  BA= .215.
Ryan Vanderhei RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K's.  ERA= 4.38.
Dylan Hecht RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 9.37.

A+:  Spokane Indians outlasted the Eugene Emeralds 7-6(10 innings).

Trevor Cohen CF- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .299.
Jancel Villaroel C- 2 for 4, BB.  BA= .310.
Walker Martin 3B- 1 for 4, HR(11).  BA= .223.
Jakob Christian 1B- 2 for 4, HR(7).  BA= .244.
Mauricio Estrella RHP- 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.25.
Cole Hillier RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.94.

A:  Visalia Rawhide edged out the San Jose Giants 2-1.

Isaiah Barkett 2B- 2 for 4, BB, SB(18).  BA= .333.
Lorenzo Meola SS- 1 for 3, BB, 2 SB(11).  BA= .253.
Ricardo Estrada LHP- 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERa= 3.92.
Cooper McGrath RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 7.75.

McGrath is a big kid you want to succeed. He's gradually improved his performances over the course of the season.  

ACL:  Angels beat the Giants 4-2.

Evan Estevez RF(18 yo)- 2 for 4, 3B.  BA= .252.  
Kendry Castro RHP(19 yo)- 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 0.00.
Leandro Rodriguez LHP(20 yo)- 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's.  ERA= 4.57.

DSL:  Mets Orange outscored Giants Black 10-6.

Nothing to see here.  Giants Black scored 5 of their 6 runs in the 9'th inning.

DSL:  Giants Orange crushed Pirates Black 7-1(7 innings).

Albert Jimenez DH(19 yo)- 1 for 2, HR(8), 2 BB.  BA= .337.

Game Wrap 7/11/2026: Giants 4 Rockies 2

Tyler Mahle overcame a balk-run in the third inning, which led to Tony Vitello getting ejected from the game, to pitch a Quality Start and Casey Schmitt supplied the pop with a 3-run homer.  Key Lines:  

Luis Arraez 2B- 2 for 4, R.  BA= .332.  Third multi-hit game in a row for ArraezOtto Lopez' BA slipped by .002 so Arraez now trails him by .007 in the NL and MLB batting races.

Casey Schmitt 3B- 1 for 4, HR(19), R, 3 RBI.  BA= .280.  Schmitt is tied with Devers for the Giants HR lead.  

Bryce Eldridge DH- 1 for 3, 2B, R.  BA= .270.  Eldridge keeps hanging in there.  He teamed up with Jesus Rodriguez C(.238) with B2B doubles to create the Giants first run of the game in the 5'th inning.  

Tyler Mahle RHP- 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K's, 8/3 GO/AO.  ERA= 5.31. This was Mahle's best and longest start since April 22.  Hopefully just in time to goose his trade value.

J. T. Brubaker RHP- 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K's, Save(1).  ERA= 2.87.  This is moving in the wrong direction.  I can see moving Brubaker into a starting role but he does not have Closer stuff.  

Trevor McDonald RHP tries for a series win today against Michael Lorenzen RHP who comes in with an ERA of 6.46.

Saturday, July 11, 2026

2026 Giants Draft Review: Rounds 1-4

Hey team!  I was going to post a draft preview this morning but ran out of time.  There was plenty of intrigue to speculate about going into the draft but it turned out to be very little drama and unfolded almost entirely according to best player available for most teams.  I was going to headline the preview with something along the lines of Will Roch Fall? or Will Roch Float?  While Buster Posey may have had designs on using his Bonus Pool war chest to make Roch Cholowsky and offer he couldn't refuse and the first three teams would not meet, that effort seemed to lose steam as the draft approach and Roch emerged as the consensus #1 among draft experts and that is exactly what happened.  Grady Emerson SS, the consensus #1 HS prospect went #2 as widely expected and Vahn Lackey C, the ultra-athletic catcher from. Georgia Tech went to the Twins at #3.  

That brings us to the Giants pick at #4.  After months of Jacob Lombard HS SS assigned to the Giants in mock drafts the more obvious pick, Jackson Flora College RHP emerged as the likely pick late in the cycle and that is who they took.   The rest of the first round stuck pretty close to script and as anticipated, the Giants nabbed a high-ceiling HS arm at #29 overall with the Competitive Balance pick they got from the Guardians in the Patrick Bailey trade.  So with that introduction, here is a breakdown of the Giants first four rounds:

Round 1 #4Jackson Flora RHP, College(UCSB).  DOB:  05/25/2005.  6' 5", 205 lbs.  

2024(USCB):  3-2, 3.83, 47 IP, 25 BB, 40 K.
2024(West Coast League):  1-0, 0.69, 13 IP, 4 BB, 9 K.
2025(UCSB):  6-3, 3.60, 75 IP, 17 BB, 86 K.
2026(UCSB):  12-0, 1.06, 102 IP, 32 BB, 133 K. 

Jackson Flora is a prototypical college ace pitcher who still has physical upside.  He sports a high-90's fastball that regularly hits triple digits as well as a nearly complete arsenal of secondary pitches including a sweeper and more traditional down-breaking slider and added a "kick" change this year that gives him a weapon against lefty batters.  Once Cameron Flukey RHP from Coastal Carolina went down with a rib injury, Flora quickly separated himself from the pitching field and formed a tier of his own.  With the standard caveat of barring injury, he should move quickly through the minors and establish himself as an elite MLB starting pitcher, something the Giants desperately need.  The only other player who made sense for this pick was Jacob Lombard SS HS.  I agree with Mark DeRosa that Lombard has the highest ceiling in the entire draft but he also has some strikeout concerns that give him some bust potential.  He ultimately went to the Marlins at #14 and they may end up with the steal in the draft but given the Giants needs and the plethora of high-ceiling shortstop prospects they already have in their system, Flora was the right pick.

Round 1 #29(Competitive Balance from Guardians):  Carson Bolemon LHP, HS.  DOB:  4/5/2007.  6' 4", 215 lbs.  

As if we need more pitchers named Carson in the Giants organization.......Although we do not have HS pitching stats and they don't mean much anyway, Bolemon put up elite numbers in high school and continued to shine in showcase and international competition.  He struck out 101 batters in 42.1 IP his junior year of HS and struck out 17 in 11 IP in World Cup competition.  

He has excellent command of a mid-90's fastball, a sweeper and a downward curve as well as the kick changeup shiny new toy.  As with any high school pitcher, injury is the big concern and Bolemon does have a history of a partial UCL tear in 8'th grade(8'th grade?  Yikes!).  He has shown no signs of arm trouble since.  He also turned 19 yo 3 months before the draft but should be a fast mover in the minors to make up for that.  The Giants have a strong track record of success with drafting high school pitchers.  Carson Bolemon has all the makings of another success.  

Round 2 #55Kaden Waechter RHP, HS.  DOB:  8/3/2007.  6' 3", 190 lbs.  

Son of former MLB pitcher Doug Waechter RHP.  Projectable athletic frame.  Fastball mid-90's with room for more.  Secondary pitch is a slider.  Changeup sounds like it needs some work.  Hey!  Maybe he can use a kick change?!  Nice combination of pedigree, size, projectability and current pitchability.  

Round 3 #90Peyton Bonds OF, College.  DOB:  7/19/2005.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 230 lbs.  

2024(Campbell U):  .267/.341/.427, 5 HR, 14 SB, 15 BB, 30 K, 170 PA.
2024(Perfect Game Collegiate League):  .364/.556/.455, 4 BB, 2 K's, 18 PA.
2025(Rutgers):  .300/.384/.430, 5 HR, 16 SB, 21 BB, 45 K, 258 PA.
2025(Cape Cod League):  .333/.333/.667, 0 BB, 3 K, 6 PA.
2026(Rutgers):  .352/.436/.535, 6 HR, 13 SB, 16 BB, 21 K, 166 PA.

Talk about pedigree!  Young Peyton is the grandson of Bobby Bonds and the nephew of Barry.  Elite size with above average athleticism and tools across the board.  Although he does not have elite speed, per scouting reports he is a plus defensive CF.  Has a feel for hitting currently with contact over power but high exit velocities suggest there is power to unlock.  MLB scouting report says outstanding baseball instincts with a passion for the game with a willingness to grind it out like his father, Bobby Bonds Jr.  I am sure Young Peyton's Unc is more than willing to make him a personal development project.  

Round 4 #118Carlos Martinez RHP, College.  DOB: 9/21/2004.  6' 2", 210 lbs.

2023(Hofstra):  1-1, 12.83, 13.1 IP, 5 BB, 9 K.
2024(Hofstra):  6-4, 4.02, 78.1 IP, 32 BB, 95 K.
2026(Hofstra):  6-3, 3.30, 76.1 IP, 27 BB, 96 K's.  

No MLB scouting report.  Video available online shows a solid frame with long arms and legs.  Loose arm action.  Available scouting reports show a 92-93 MPH fastball.  Slider is his best pitch.  Missed the 2025 season with Tommy John surgery.  Probably projects as a reliever.  Giants may be looking to go way under slot but probably could go back to school as a redshirt senior so likely still has some negotiating leverage.  

16 more players to be drafted tomorrow so we are just getting started.  Christmas in July!

Down on the Farm: 7/10/2026

 AAA:  Salt Lake City Bees swarmed over the Sacramento River Cats 12-5.

Daniel Susac C- 2 for 3, HR(3), BB.  BA= .478.
Turner Hill CF- 2 for 4.  BA= .319.
Jake Holton 1B- 1 for 4, HR(6).  BA= .211.
Tristan Beck RHP- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 4.15.
Marques Johnson RHP- 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.65.

Susac starts his rehab assignment.

AA:  Altoona Curve topped the Richmond Flying Squirrels 5-4.

Bo Davidson CF- 1 for 5, HR(19).  BA= .268.
Diego Velasquez 2B- 3 for 4. BA= .287.
Will Bednar RHP- 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 4.24.

Bo Davidson continues his sustained power surge.

A+:  Eugene Emeralds buried the Spokane Indians 9-4.

Jhonny Level SS- 2 for 4, 2 2B, BB.  BA= .298.
Gavin Kilen 2B- 2 for 5, 2B.  BA= .282.
Dakota Jordan CF- 4 for 5, 3 HR(18).  BA= .290.
Carlos Gutierrez LF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .263.
Lisbel Diaz RF- 1 for 4, 2B.  BA= .263.
Nico Mazza RHP- 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 6 K's, 10/4 GO/AO.  ERA= 2.50.

Dakota Jordan is on a sustained tear.  After a quiet May, he hit 6 HR with a .542 SLG% in June.  So far in July his batting .432/.475/1.027 with 6 HR.  Nico Mazza is quietly having a good season but 41 BB in 72 IP is not optimal.

A:  Visalia Rawhide whipped the San Jose Giants 12-5.

Isaiah Barkett DH- 2 for 4.  BA= .331.
Daniel Rogers C- 2 for 4, HR(4).  BA= .295.
Lorenzo Meola SS- 1 for 3, HR(9), BB.  BA= .252.
Oliver Tejada LF- 1 for 4, HR(2).  BA= .156.  

Lorenzo Meola raised his BA by .025 since June 30.  July line:  .429/.500/.829 with 3 HR.

ACL:  Giants outscored the Rockies 13-9. 

Anthony Marquez 3B(19 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B, HBP.  BA= .248.
Josuar Gonzalez SS(18 yo)- 1 for 5, 2B.  BA= .360.
Santiago Camacho C(19 yo)- 3 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .256.
Yulian Barreto 2B(18 yo)- 4 for 5.  BA= .271.
Rayner Arias DH(20 yo)- 2 for 5, HR(2).  BA= .181.
Carlos Concepcion 1B(20 yo)- 3 for 4, HR(4), BB.  BA= .232.
Brayan Narvaez RHP(21 yo)- 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 5.18.
Hayden Wynja LHP(rehab)- 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K's.  ERA= 4.26.
Melvin Pineda RHP(22 yo)- 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's.  ERA= 2.82.

DSL:  Blue Jays Red topped Giants Black 6-5.

Dennys Riera 3B(21 yo)- 2 for 5, SB(3).  BA= .330
Keiberg Camacaro SS(19 yo)- 2 for 4, 2B, BB, SB(14).  BA= .337.
Alessandro Duran 1B/C(21 yo)- 2 for 3, 2B, BB.  BA= .214.
Rainiel Duran RHP(22 yo)- 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K's. ERA= 6.08.
Hector Dos Santos LHP(20 yo)- 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K.  ERA= 2.70.

DSL:  Giants Orange topped Red Sox Red 6-5(7 inninngs).

Brandon Vasquez RF- 2 for 3, BB.  BA= .326.