Giants 2024 Minor League Season Reviews: A+ Eugene Emeralds

 In the last two years of FZ's regime as POBO, the Giants promoted prospects frenetically which makes for challenging season recaps for any level.  It's also likely the constant roster churning in the minor leagues made it hard for teams to sustain winning.  Let's get to the numbers:

Batting Average(100 or more PA's):  

Bryce Eldridge  .335

Sabin Ceballos  .295

Alexander Suarez  .282

Diego Velasquez  .274

Doubles:

Quinn McDaniel  20

Diego Velasquez  16

Onil Perez  15

Justin Wishkoski 15

Triples:

Quinn McDaniel 4

Jonah Cox  4

Diego Velasquez 3

Home Runs:

Quinn McDaniel  13

Bryce Eldridge  12

Rodolfo Nolasco  10

Alexander Suarez  9

Stolen Bases:

Quinn McDaniel  40

Jonah Cox  20

Onil Perez  20

ERA(50 or more IP):

Jack Choate LHP- 2.90

Seth Lonsway LHP- 3.86

Cesar Perdomo LHP- 4.00

Strikeouts:

Manuel Mercedes RHP  89

Jack Choate  87

Daniel Blair 77

Best Prospect:  

Bryce Eldridge

Runner Up Best Prospect:

Diego Velasquez

Giants Depth Charts: Second Base

Just to show how much of a train wreck the Giants second base depth chart is, there are no less than 5 players on the 40-man MOB roster who have played the position if you don't count Wilmer Flores, who really can't anymore, and the guy who most of us probably think of as the incumbent starter at the position, Thairo Estrada, is not on the MLB roster and is a minor league free agent.  So let's try to unpile the wrecked train cars:

Brett Wisely:  .218/.263/.320, 4 HR, 272 PA.  

Casey Schmitt:  .252/.283/.477, 6 HR, 113 PA.

Donovan Walton:  .136/.240/.273, HR, 25 PA.

Marco Luciano:  .211/.259/.303, 81 PA.  

I am assuming Tyler Fitzgerald is the starting shortstop until proven otherwise, but it's a high probability the Giants will sign a veteran free agent to play short which would likely bump Fitz to where he would be the frontrunner to be the starter.  Brett Wisely hit well over his last 7 games and there's really no reason to choose Walton over him.  Casey Schmitt also hit well over his last 15 games and he accumulated 3 of his 4 walks on the season over that span in which he showed dramatically improved plate discipline. He may well be the best option for at least a weak side of a platoon with the lefthanded hitting Wisely.  It was really a lost season for Marco Luciano who seemed to take his defensive struggles with him to the plate and is probably being moved to the outfield.  

AAA:

Brett Auerbach: .281/.357/.444, 4 SB, 223 PA.

Auerbach could be on the depth chart for several positions but he played the most innings at 2B.

AA: 

Nate Furman:  A+:  .338/.417/.500, 7 HR, 8 SB, 176 PA.  AA:  .125/.300/.200, 2 SB, 51 PA.  

Jimmy Glowenke:  .199/.300/.309, 7 HR, 5 SB, 392 PA.

Andrew Kachel:  .228/.343/.386, 2 HR, 67 PA.

Furman was acquired in an August trade with the Guardians.  He did not play for any Giants affiliate and is listed on the 60-day IL.  Glowenke and Kachel are more utility types but both played more 2B than other positions.  I am counting Diego Velasquez as a SS.

A+: 

Quinn McDaniel:  .236/.345/.390, 13 HR, 40 SB, 511 PA.

Thomas Gavello:  .193/.322/.307, 7 HR, 9 SB, 304 PA.  

McDaniel has a nice combination of on-base skills and speed with a little pop.  Can he hit for enough average to maintain the OBP?  Gavello played multiple positions and needs to hit more.

A:  

Jean Carlos Sio:  .240/.378/.360, 4 HR, 11 SB, 308 PA.

Ryan Reckley:  ACL:  .283/.450/.489, 4 HR, 4 SB, 120 PA.  A:  .243/.308/.343, HR, 78 PA.

Sio and Reckley have some athleticism and are still young enough to break out.

ACL:

Jose Ramos:  .283/.426/.384, HR, 13 SB.

Sent back to ACL after playing most of 2023 in A San Jose.

DSL:

Anthony Marquez:  .279/.405/.369, HR, 10 SB, 149 PA.

Dennys Riera:  .244/.383/.349, HR, 107 PA.

Franco Willias:  .260/.359/.420, 3 HR, 8 SB, 154 PA.

Yoxander Benitez:  .232/.338/.319, 4 SB, 80 PA.

Marquez and Benitez were 17 yo.  Riera and Willias 19.

Free Agent Market:

Gleyber Torres

Kevin Newman

Adam Frazier

Thairo Estrada

Outlook:

As you can see, second base is a mess at the MLB level and there is no significant help in the upper minors.  Buster Posey could bring in a free agent but the second base free agent class is less than compelling.  Everybody seems to assume he will sign a SS and move Fitz to 2B but there is really only one SS on available, Willy Adames, and how likely is it for the Giants to sign him?  Ha Seong Kim?  He just had surgery on his shoulder and won't be ready to start the season.  Best option might be a platoon of Schmitt and Wisely or even bring back Estrada!

Giants 2024 Minor League Season Reviews: San Jose Giants

 The A level San Jose Giants featured Bryce Eldridge who emerged as the top prospect in the system as well as a mix of rising international prospects and 2023 draft picks.  Later in the season, as players were promoted, we saw an influx of ACL graduates and 2024 draft picks, most of whom ended up with small sample sizes.  Here is a breakdown of the top performers in selected categories:

Batting Average(100 or more PA's):  

Charlie Szykowny .340

Bo Davidson .328

Jonah Cox .297

Doubles:

Cesar Quintas 18

Cole Foster 16

Charlie Szykowny 16

Triples:

Bo Davidson 7

Charlie Szykowny 6

Jonah Cox 4

Home Runs:

Guillermo Williamson 12

Cesar Quintas 12

Bryce Eldridge 10

Bo Davidson 9

Stolen Bases:

Jonah Cox 38

Jean Carlos Sio 11

Luke Shliger 10

ERA(50 or more IP):

Dylan Carmouche 2.74

Brayan Palencia 2.91

Esmerlin Vinicio 3.59

Strikeouts:

Josh Bostick 121

Shane Rademacher 102

Dylan Carmouche 90

2024 Draft Picks:

James Tibbs III OF:  .415 BA 42 PA

Jeremiah Jenkins 1B:  .295 BA, 2 HR, 49 PA.

Jakob Christian OF:  .267, HR, 37 PA.

Zander Darby SS:  .234/.4 HR, 57 PA.

Robert Hipwell 3B:  .196, 5 HR 136 PA.

Dakota Jordan OF:  .000, 7 PA.

Top Prospect:  Bryce Eldridge (who else?).  

Runner Up Top Prospect:  James Tibbs III.

Giants Depth Charts: First Base

Since the end of Brandon Belt's Giants career, they eschewed the traditional "big bat" first baseman in favor of a platoon centered around Lamonte Wade Jr who became on on-base machine but lacked the power you generally want to see from the position.  The Giants best prospect, Bryce Eldridge, primarily plays first base but Buster Posey signaled he's pumping the brakes on FZ's pushing prospects.  Whether to upgrade the first base position, at least in the short term, is one of Buster's biggest offseason decisions.  Here is the current Depth Chart:

MLB:

Lamonte Wade Jr.:  .260/.380/.381, 8 HR, 401 PA.  

Wilmer Flores:  .206/.277/.318, 4 HR, 242 PA.

Jerar Encarnacion:  .248/.277/.425, 5 HR, 119 PA.

David Villar:  MLB:  .257/.270/.457, HR, 37 PA.  AAA:  .260/.361/.441, 16 HR, 482 PA.

In defense of LMWJ, Oracle Park is still a big time suppressor of home runs.  His numbers are about what I think Joey Votto's would be if he played his home games there.  On the other hand, LMWJ's second half numbers were subpar by any measure and the right side of the platooned collapsed completely.  LMWJ is arbitration eligible.  Wilmer will likely pick up his option coming off the IL.  Encarnacion showed intriguing power but is a free swinger with a frightful K rate.  David Villar has never found traction at the MLB level and is out of options.  First base is an obvious upgrade opportunity for Buster Posey.

AAA:  

Bryce Eldridge 1B/DH:  4 Levels:  .291/.374/.516, 23 HR, 6 SB. 

Eldridge blew through 3 levels and mashed at all of them.  He's now considered a top prospect ranking #35 on MLB's Top 100.  The biggest remaining question seems to be when will he be given the starting first base job in Oracle Park?  Before he was fired, FZ stated the Giants would not pursue a top free agent first baseman so as not to block Eldridge.  One of Buster Posey's first statements was that Eldridge would be brought up when he was ready, not to meet team needs.  Trenton Brooks is listed on the River Cats roster but I am pretty sure he is eligible for minor league free agency.

AA: 

Andrew Kachel:  A+:  .261/.383/.335, 2 HR, 11 SB, 228 PA.  AA:  .228/.343/.386, 2 HR, 67 PA.  

Kachel is listed as a 2B but logged the most innings at 1B.  Could be a future utility player but doesn't seem to hit enough to be a starting 1B in MLB.  Logan Wyatt is listed as "voluntarily retired."

A+:  None

A: 

Jeremiah Jenkins:  .295/.367/.545, 2 HR, 49 PA.  

Jenkins is the Giants 14'th round draft pick in 2024.  Classic big, strong, B-L, T-L first baseman.  Got off to a great start to his pro career in a small sample.

ACL:  

Derwin Laya:  .290/.393/.384, 2 HR, 3 SB, 168 PA.

21 yo and third season in ACL. 

DSL:

Jesus Alexander:  .381/.437/.597, 5 HR, 197 PA.

Angel Guzman:  .305/.475/.523, 7 HR, 15 SB, 201 PA.

Two promising 18 yo hitting prospects.  Alexander is listed as a C and Guzman OF, but both played mostly 1B.  I would think both should be promoted to the ACL for 2025.

Top Available Free Agent First Basemen:

1.  Pete Alonso(30 yo)

2. Christian Walker(34 yo)

3. Paul Goldschmidt(37 yo)

4.  Carlos Santana(39 yo).

Summary:

After reviewing LMWJ's season stats, particularly his second half, I now believe the Giants should pursue an upgrade at 1B.  They desperately need power from any position and Alonso is an elite power hitter.  If he's signable, I would not let Bryce Eldridge veto it. While Eldridge is an exciting prospect, no prospect is a sure thing and the universal DH gives more flexibility if there is a logjam at the position.  If they can't get Alonso, they should take a serious look at Walker or Goldy on shorter term deals.

Giants 2024 Minor League Season Reviews: Arizona Complex League

 Since the start of the complex leagues was moved earlier in the season and the draft moved later, they have settled into a pattern where the rosters are made up mostly of DSL graduates and rehabbing players from higher levels.  Since most of the Giants 2024 draft prospects were college players they got assigned to to San Jose after an initial evaluation in camp.

Here is a summary of the top performers in the 2024 ACL:

Hitters:

Batting Average(at least 50 PA):  

Lisbel Diaz OF:  .329

Ramon Peralta SS:  .313

Jose Ortiz OF:  .306

Doubles:  

Ramon Peralta 9

Rayner Arias OF 8

Eliam Sandoval OF, Jose Ramos SS/2B, Dario Reynoso 3B/SS 7

Triples: 

Ramon Peralta 2

Jose Ramos 2

Ryan Reckley 2B 2

Home Runs:

Walker Martin SS- 6

Lisbel Diaz OF- 4

Ryan Reckley 2B- 4

Stolen Bases: 

Jose Ramos 13

Jose Ortiz 10

Dario Reynoso 8

Pitchers:

ERA(minimum 30 IP):

Keyner Martinez RHP  3.03

Alix Hernandez RHP 3.29

Mikell Manzano RHP 3.80.

Strikeouts:

Alix Hernandez 58

Johan Rodriguez RHP 55

Jose Rengel LHP 47

Best Prospect:

Lisbel Diaz OF, Walker Martin SS, Rayner Arias OF.  

I am calling it a tie for Best Prospect at the level.  Diaz was not previously a heralded prospect but he batted .312 in the DSL last season and played this whole season at age 18.  He got off to a slow start after a late season promotion to San Jose but finished the season strong.  He's a lean, athletic looking player with room to fill out and already mashes the ball with regularity with a high percentage of XBH's.  Martin was the Giants second round draft pick in 2023 and did not play last season.  He struggled to hit for average but showed athleticism with flashes of power.  Look for a breakout in 2025.  Arias' season ended early again after mixed results.  He has a huge ceiling but the injuries are starting to get worrisome.  He needs a healthy season in 2025.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Catcher

 Several years ago a reader/commenter suggested reviewing depth charts for each position in the Giants organization.  That seemed like good idea. As it turned out, they have become a great way of identifying organizational needs both on the MLB roster and the farm system.  So, let's get into it starting with the Catcher position:

MLB:

Patrick Bailey:  .234/.298/.339, 8 HR, 4 SB, 8.7 BB%, 22.3 K%, Off= -9.7, Def= 36.7, fWAR= 4.3.

Tom Murphy: .118/211/.235, HR, 10.5 BB%, 36.8 K%, 38 PA

Blake Sabol:  MLB- .313/.421/.375, 13.2 BB%, 23.7 K%, 38 PA.  AAA- .246/.340/.388, 11 HR, 11 SB, 11.9 BB%, 23.7 K%, 403 PA.

As a future HOF catcher, we might think Buster Posey has some strong opinions about the catcher position.  He had some interesting things to say about Bailey which I would interpret as a less than wholehearted endorsement.  He acknowledged that we can now measure catcher defense and acknowledged that Bailey brings value on defense but he also made it clear he is looking for more offense from the position and pointed out Bailey's second half offensive collapses as something he needs to find a way to avoid.  In Bailey's defense, his offense was dragged down by a horrific .083 BA in August and he bounced back to .266 in Sept after a trip to the IL with an oblique strain which makes me think he may have been trying to play through in injury.  Maybe part of keeping Bailey strong through the season is for Buster to find a better back up catcher so Bailey can take some time off when he needs to?

Which brings us to Murphy and Sabol.  Murphy was terrible both offensively and defensively in an extremely small sample to begin the year then went out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.  Was he already hurt when the season started?  He's signed for another season but can the Giants count on him to be adequate as a back up catcher?  Buster has another decision to make about Blake Sabol:  Is he a catcher or not?  Can he play defense at any position?  Is the bat good enough if he has to play LF or DH?  

In summary, one of Buster's offseason goals needs to be upgrading the back up catcher role.

AAA: 

Brett Auerbach:  AA:  .215/.311/.398, 4 SB.  AAA:  .281/.357/.444, 4 3B, 4 HR, 5 SB.  

Only played catcher in 7 games at both levels  combined so really more of a super-utility guy than catcher.  Never was able to hit a lick at AA but bat came alive in Sacramento.  There may be some team out there that really wants a 26'th man who can be slightly more than an emergency catcher.

AA: 

Zach Morgan:  A+:  .206/.328/.302, 3 HR, 5 SB, 239 PA.  AA:  .226/.293/.333, 2 HR, 3 SB, 93 PA.

Adrian Sugastey:  .210/.241/.304, HR, 191 PA.

Andy Thomas:  .225/.313/.312, 5 HR, 4 SB, 432 PA.  

Rough year for catchers in Richmond.  Sugastey is still just 21 yo but lost a season in 2020 so is Rule 5 eligible.  Close to zero chance he'll be selected.  

A+: 

Onil Perez:  .236/.334/.303, HR, 20 SB, 250 PA.

Jack Payton:  ACL:  .361/.477/.500, 70 PA.

Luke Shliger:  A:  .228/.395/.312, HR, 10 SB, 276 PA.  A+:  .279/.362/.443, 2 HR, 70 PA.

Disappointing A+ season for Perez but SB's remain intriguing.  Too early to give up on 2023 draft picks Payton and Shliger but so far not much exciting in their stat lines.

A:

Drew Cavanaugh:  A:  .230/.364/.333, 2 HR, 154 PA.  AAA:  .300/.400/.300, 35 PA.

Ty Hanchey:  ACL:  .346/.486/.731, 3 HR, 35 PA.  A:  .254/.356/.354, 3 HR, 222 PA.

Juan Perez:  ACL:  .284/.368/.330, 125 PA.  A:  .100/.250/.100, 12 PA.

Drew Cavanaugh is getting a chance for more higher level PA's in the AFL.  Perez might be the prospect to watch here as he got a 7-figure signing bonus in 2022.  His career started slowly but he's 20 yo and still has two years before Rule 5 eligibility.  

ACL:

Nomar Diaz- .250/.406/.458, HR, 32 PA.

Diaz was drafted out of Puerto Rico in 2022 round 14.  Has not played much in 3 pro seasons.

DSL:

Yohendry Sanchez(17 YO):  .241/.489/.448, HR, 45 PA.

Jesus Alexander:  .381/.437/.597, 5 HR, 197 PA.

Santiago Camacho(17 yo):  .361/.507/.549, 2 HR, 3 SB, 138 PA.

Anyelo Gonzalez:  .193/.308/.261, 108 PA.

Alessandro Duran:  .308/.444/.354, 83 PA.

Fernando Pena(17 yo):  .233/.421/.256, 57 PA

Jorge Ramirez:  .300/.424/.400, HR, 85 PA.

Sanchez got a 7-figure signing bonus.  Will watch for him in next season's boxscores.  Alexander had a breakout season at the plate but mostly played 1B.  Camacho is less heralded than Sanchez but is a switch-hitter and put up an interesting stat line.

Summary:  I was bullish on the Giants organizational catching situation at this time last season.  Unfortunately with the loss of Joey Bart and regressions from several prospects the outlook is less bright now.  Maybe 2025 will bring a positive regression?  Buster Posey needs to put backup catcher near the top of his offseason to-do list.

Arizona Fall League Preview

The Arizona Fall League kicks off today.  When I first started seriously following minor league baseball the Arizona Fall League seemed like a prospect hound nirvana.  It was supposed to be a showcase for the top prospects from each organization from AA and AAA.  It as like a whole 2 months of Futures Games.  Over the years it's lost its luster IMO as teams now seem to use it as a tool for prospects who need more PA's or more IP for whatever reason, often players who lost time during the season due to injury.  It looks like more of the same this year with one big exception:  The Giants are sending their consensus top prospect, Bryce Eldridge.  Yes, he is still young and his rise through system possibly too fast, but if he shows well in the AFL it could move his timetable up to early next season.  Here's the list:

Drew Cavanaugh C.  DOB:  1/27/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6'0", 220 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 17.

2024 A:  .230/.364/.333, 2 HR, 154 PA.

2024 AAA:  .300/400/.300, 35 PA.

Might already be an organizational player who fills in wherever needed.  Maybe a good showing in the AFL would elevate him above that?

Bryce Eldridge 1B.   DOB:  10/20/2024.  B-L, T-R.  6'7", 223 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 1.

2024 A:  .263/.323/.478, 10 HR, 2 SB, 229 PA.  

2024 A+:  .335/.442/.618, 12 HR, 3 SB, 215 PA.

2024 AA:  .270/.325/.459, HR, SB, 40 PA.

2024 AAA:  .258/.343/.258, 35 PA.

Whirlwind season for Eldridge.  Reminds me a bit of Brandon Belt's 2010 season.  Then they rushed him in 2011 and he wasn't quite ready.  Hope they let Eldridge back up that success and make sure his feet are on the ground then bring him up to stay when he's fully ready.  I am sure all eyes will be on him in the AFL as one of their marquee players this year.

Charlie Szykowny IF.  DOB:  6/30/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6'4", 225 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 9.

2024 A:  .340/.405/.505, 6 3B, 2 HR, 242 PA.

2024 A+: .235/.300/.379, 4 HR, 4 SB, 170 PA.  

Listed as a SS but played mostly corner IF.  Stayed in SJ a long time despite dominating the level.  AFL will give him more advanced level PA's.

Bo Davidson OF.  DOB:  7/5/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 205 lbs.  Undrafted Free Agent 2023.

2024 ACL:  .323/.432/.581, 2 HR, SB, 37 PA.

2024 A:  .328/.438/.608, 7 3B, 9 HR, 6 SB, 226 PA.  

5-tool player who needs PA's at higher levels.

Cale Lansville RHP.  DOB:  1/6/2003.  6' 1", 205 lbs.  Drafted 2023 Round 14.

2024 A:  3-4, 4.36, 74.1 IP, 22 BB, 69 K.  

Solid 3 pitch mix.  FB sat at 92 MPH in the game I saw him pitch.  Does he have enough velocity to pitch at higher levels?

Wiliam Kempner RHP.  DOB:  6/18/2001.  6' 0", 222 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 3

2023 A:  1-3, 4.67, 27 IP, 15 BB, 29 K.  

2023 A+:  3-2, 2.91, 34 IP, 13 BB, 47 K.

2024:  DNP

 Needs IP after apparently losing a season to injury.

Marques Johnson RHP.  DOB:  7/4/2000.  6' 2", 210 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 11(Red Sox).

2024 ACL:  0-0, 0.00, 1 IP, 0 BB, 2 K. 

2024 A:  1-0, 2.84, 6.1 IP, 8 BB, 10 K's.  

Acquired in 2023 in a trade with the Red Sox for Mauricio Llovera RHP, memba him?  Obviously needs IP.

Elijah Pleasants RHP.  DOB:  5/14/2000.  6'5", 200 lbs.  Signed as a free agent out of indy ball 2024.

2024 ACL:  2-2, 4.87, 20.1 IP, 14 BB, 18 K.

2024 A:  0-0, 2.33, 27 IP, 18 BB, 23 K.

I got to see him pitch in person in Rancho Cucamonga.  What a revelation!  Long lean frame with incredibly long loose limbs.  FB sat 95 MPH with a sharp slider.  Needs IP and needs to cut down on walks.  

Tyler Vogel RHP.  DOB:  11/16/2000.  6' 0", 175 lbs.  Drafted 2022 Round 12.

2024 ACL:  1-0, 0.00, 4.2 IP, 3 BB, 7 K's.

2024 A+:  3-1, 4.74, 24.2 IP, 12 BB, 22 K's.

Reliever track. Missed some time due to injury so will make up innings in the AFL.