The Giants were able to clear another spot on the 40-man roster by trading Nate Furman 2B to the Washington Nationals for Tony Neubeck LHP. Let's break it down:
Nate Furman 2B: DOB: 7/23/2001. B-L, T-L. 5' 8", 173 lbs. On 40-man roster, 3 Options.
2026(AAA): .293/.377/.414, 25 2B, 3B, 7 HR, 19 SB, 11.1 BB%, 11.8 K%, 468 PA.
2026(MLB): .125/.243/.125, 12.8 BB%, 25.6 K%, 39 PA.
Furman was called up to stand in the gap during a wave of injuries. There was no way he was going to stick on the Giants 40-man roster through the winter. He is a decent contact hitter but limited to 2B defensively and has little power. The fact a team was willing to trade for him means he was going to get claimed off waivers so getting something for him is better than nothing.
Tony Neubeck LHP: DOB: 5/12/2003. 6' 2", 229 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.
2026(College-Indiana): 7-4, 3.95, 70.2 IP, 9.55 K/9, 3.44 BB/9.
2026(A): 0-0, 0.00, 6 IP, 12.00 K/9, 1.50 BB/9, 4.00 GB/FB.
It finally looks like someone in the Giants organization recognizes the importance of development time for prospects and how limiting the Rule 5 draft can be. Neubeck was an undrafted free agent for the Nationals in 2026 but pitched well for a major college program. He's a stout lefty built not unlike "Tugboat" Wilkinson. A scouting report posted in the comment section of the McCovey Chronicles article has him with a mid-90's FB with some life and a fading changeup he uses as an out pitch. A slider and cutter are complimentary pitches. Good job by the Giants pro scouts to essentially get something for nothing out of this trade.
