Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Shortstop

The Giants shortstop position may be the most problematic position in the short term while at the same time having one of the strongest longterm outlooks in all of major league baseball.  The long term challenge is to decide which of a plethora of highly ranked prospects will emerge as their shortstop of the future and likely franchise cornerstone.

MLB:

Willy Adames:  DOB:  9/2/1995.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 216 lbs.  Under Contract through 2031.

2026:  .230/.289/.424, 25 2B, 21 HR, 5 SB, 7.3 BB%, 27.5 K%, 505 PA.

Christian Koss:  DOB:  1/27/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 185 lbs.  2 Options.  1.00 yr Service Time.

2026(MLB):  .217/.257/.305, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.1 BB%, 26.7 K%, 221 PA.

Osleivis Basabe:  DOB:  9/13/2000.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 197 lb.  1 Option.  .05 yr Service Time.

2026(MLB):  .202/.268/.341, 5 HR, 2 SB, 6.3 BB%, 20.3 K%, 143 PA.

Adames went on the IL due to a left elbow sprain for which he receive a Plasma-Rich Platelet injection but he was apparently already dealing with a nagging back problem(although as Kruk pointed out, it did not keep him from lifting heavy Gatorade jugs).  Buster has no choice but to count on him bouncing back from both injuries and having a strong season.  If he doesn't it's 5 long, painful years of paying down that contract.  Between Koss and Basabe, Koss is the better defender so has the inside track at the utility infielder role.

AAA:  

Aeverson Arteaga:  DOB:  3/16/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .318/.395/.500, 2 HR, 2 SB, 7.8 BB%, 28.6 K%, 77 PA.

2026(AAA):  .243/.293/.346, 12 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 5.9 K%, 23.7 K%, 304 PA.

Zane Zielinski:  DOB:  7/28/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A+):  .258/.343/.314, 9 2B, 13 SB, 10.3 BB%, 27.2 K%, 184 PA.

2026(AA):  .206/.250/.301, 7 2B, 2 HR, 3 SB, 4.8 BB%, 34.9 K%, 146 PA.

2026(AAA):  .143/.333/.286, 22.2 BB%, 11.1 K%, 9 PA.

Arteaga was once the shortstop of the future before injuries derailed his development.  Neither he nor Zielinski figure into the long term future of the Giants infield at this point.

AA:

Gavin Kilen:  DOB:  3/28/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 187 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A+):  .282/.350/.462, 27 2B, 3B, 9 HR, 9.2 BB%, 13.8 K%, 349 PA.

2026(AA):  .297/.343/.469, 10 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 7.7 BB%, 15.4 K%, 143 PA.

Maui Ahuna:  DOB:  3/11/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 196 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .228/.327/.335, 18 2B, 3 3B, 6 HR, 31 SB, 11.5 BB%, 28.9 K%, 460 PA.

Gavin Kilen quietly had a strong season across two levels.  While he did play a little 2B, the vast majority of his innings were at shortstop where word on the street is he has been surprisingly good on defense.  It's not hard to see him being ready for a major league debut by midseason.  Right now there is only one open position for him, second base.  Maui Ahuna has some speed but is otherwise a 3-true outcomes guy without the power.  He's kind of overwhelmed by the abundance of top tier infield prospects in the Giants system.

A+:

Jhonny Level:  DOB:  3/29/2007.  B-S, T-R.  5' 8", 186 lb.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .325/.392/.576, 14 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 11 SB, 7.8 BB%, 16.6 K%, 217 PA.

2026(A+):  .302/.363/.473, 25 2B, 3B, 8 HR, 15 SB, 7.9 BB%, 17.5 K%, 331 PA.

What a terrific season for Jhonny Level!  To my eye he is more of a 2B than shortstop but he's a shortstop for now.  The bat is real.  Maxed out physically.  

A:

Josuar Gonzalez:  DOB:  10/16/2007.  B-S, T- R.  5' 10", 178 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029

2026(ACL):  .343/.451/.515, 7 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 8 SB, 16.4 BB%, 20.5 K%, 122 PA.

2026(A):  .357/.444, 556, 6 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 13 SB, 13.7 BB%, 19.6 K%, 153 PA.

Luis Hernandez:  DOB:  12/13/2008.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 172 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2030.

2026(ACL):  .298/.382/.535, 19 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 6 SB, 11.0 BB%, 16.7 K%, 228 PA.

2026(A):  .231/.276/.319, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6.1 BB%, 29.6 K%, 98 PA.

Lorenzo Meola:  DOB:  12/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .269/.353/.468, 40 2B, 5 3B, 15 HR, 9.5 BB%, 24.3 K%, 547 PA.

Gonzalez had a terrific season justifying his #1 prospect ranking in the Giants organization.  I saw him hit an absolute rocket of a home run batting from the right side, but he may have less power batting left. PA's limited by a nagging hammy which will hopefully be fully healed by next season. Should move up to A+ to start 2027.  Luis Hernandez also made an impressive debut in the ACL as a 17 year old.  Struggled a bit more after a promotion to A ball where he will likely start next season. He played 3B when he and Gonzalez were on the field at the same time.  I saw him make a big league throw from foul territory behind 3B.  Meola had a sneaky good season but it should be noted he was not promoted out of A ball like other 2026 college draftees.

ACL: 

Anthony Marquez:  DOB:  9/23/2006.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 164 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .243/.352/.355, 7 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 11 SB, 13.1 BB%, 21.6 K%, 199 PA.

Brodey Acres: DOB: 6/2/2004.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 185 lbs.  

2026(College):  .385/.471/.690, 21 2B, 3 3B, 10 HR, 11 SB, 13.6 BB%, 10.4 K%, 221 PA.  

2026(Development):  .324/.381/.505, 7 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 14 SB, 8.7 BB%, 18.1 K%, 127 PA.

Marquez is overshadowed by the top tier shortstop prospects in the system.  Acres was signed as an undrafted free agent late in the season and did not appear in any affiliated games.

DSL:  

Joniel Hernandez:  DOB:  3/6/2009.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2030.

2026(DSL):  .321/.439/.539, 17 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 10 SB, 16.8 BB%, 15.5 K%, 238 PA.

With almost all the Giants bonus money for this cycle going into Luis Hernandez, the DSL did not have too many interesting prospect until Joniel Hernandez arrived after the trade deadline from the Padres organization.  Very interesting prospect whose ceiling may be as high as anyone in the organization.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Third Base

Assuming Matt Chapman comes back healthy next season, he's the Giants third baseman.  Everybody else is depth or a prospect for the longer term future.

MLB:

Matt Chapman:  DOB:  4/28/1993.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 220 lbs.  Under Contract through 2030.

2026(MLB):  .235/.324/.368, 18 2B, 3B, 7 HR, 10.5 BB%, 23.0 K%, 352 PA. 

Casey Schmitt:  DOB:  3/1/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 215 lbs.  1 Option, Arb Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2030.

2026(MLB):  .271/.301/.483, 21 HR, 9 SB, 2.7 BB%, 19.8 K%, 409 PA.

Shay Whitcomb:  DOB: 9/28/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 202 lbs.  1 Option.  .085 Service Time.

2026(MLB- 2 teams):  .207/.233/.336, 4 HR, 2 SB, 3.3 BB%, 28.7 K%, 122 PA.

Brett Harris:  DOB:  6/24/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 208 lbs.  0 Options, .105 Service Time.

2026(MLB- 3 teams):  .136/.240/.182, 5.9 BB%, 31.4 K%, 51 PA.

If Chapman is healthy, he's the everyday third baseman and Schmitt will probably either be the leftfielder or traded for pitching.  If Schmitt is the LF, and Chapman gets hurt again, Schmitt can easily slide to 3B as organizational depth is better in the OF.  It's hard to see either Whitcomb or Harris survive the 40-man roster purge leading up to the Rule 5 Draft.  Christian Koss can play 3B in a pinch but generally need more bat at the position.

AAA:

Parks Harber:  DOB:  9/25/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 3", 217 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(AA):  .284/.369/.510, 12 HR, 2 SB, 11.7 BB%, 24.5 K%, 298 PA.

2026(AAA):  .256/.348/.391, 6 HR, 3 SB, 11.6 BB%, 23.6 K%, 250 PA.

Harber's production fell off over the last month.  Does not need to be added to 40-man roster and can start next season in AAA.  Hopefully ready to come up by midseason if a need arises.

AA: 

Sabin Ceballos:  DOB:  8/17/2002.  B-R, T- R.  6' 2", 236 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .227/.356/.398, 18 HR, 11 SB, 14.3 BB%, 17.9 K%, 504 PA.

Development seems to have stalled.  Too many long slumps.

A+:

Walker Martin:  DOB:  2/20/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 215 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(A+):  .234/.353/.384, 18 HR, 20 SB, 10.7 BB%, 33.9 K%, 449 PA.

Martin's development has been painfully slow.  That strikeout rate is not what you want to see in A+ ball.

A:  

Luis Hernandez:  DOB:  12/13/2008.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 172 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2030.

2026(ACL):  .298/.382/.535, 6 HR, 6 SB, 11.0 BB%, 16.7 K%, 228 PA.

2026(A):  .231/.276/.319, 2 HR, 6.2 BB%, 29.6 K%, 98 PA.

Dario Reynoso:  DOB:  3/22/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 183 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A):  .274/.392/.483, 27 2B, 4 3B, 15 HR, 21 SB, 15.4 BB%, 33.3 K%, 462 PA.

Drew Smith:  DOB:  6/17/2003.  B- R, T-R.  6' 2", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(College):  .342/.425/.622, 16 HR, 5 SB, 11.0 BB%, 25.0 K%, 272 PA.

2026(A):  .333/.333/.622, HR, 11.0 BB%, 25.0 K%, 12 PA.

I'm listing Hernandez on the 3B depth chart because that's where he played when he and Josuar Gonzalez were on the field together.  I saw him make a big league throw from way behind the 3B bag.  Reynoso is deceptively big, wiry strong and plays hard.  High K rate is holding him back.  Drew Smith is an interesting draft prospect.  Will likely be the starting 3B for San Jose Giants next season with Luis Hernandez starting the season at SS.

Giants Organizational Dept Charts: Second Base

Second base is one of the more interesting positions for the Giants as they start the offseason without a true incumbent although there is no shortage of candidates on the current 40-man roster.  Let's break it down:

MLB:  

Marcelo Mayer:  DOB:  12/12/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 188 lbs.  3 Options, Arb Eligible 2029, Free Agent 2032.

2026(AAA):  .353/.421/.588, HR, 10.5 BB%, 47.4%, 19 PA.

2026(MLB-2 teams):  .209/.275/.295, 3 HR, 3 SB, 7.3 BB%, 20.8 K%, 245 PA.

Jonah Cox:  DOB:  8/4/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 204 lbs.  3 Options.  Arb Eligible 2029.  Free Agent 2032.

2026(AA):  .400/.453/.644, 11 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 27 SB, 8.7 BB%, 16.9 K%, 183 PA.

2026(AAA):  .468/.519/.660, 4 2B, 3B, HR, 7 SB, 9.6 BB%, 17.3 K%, 52 PA.

2026(MLB):  .252/.298/.384, 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 16 SB, 5.9 BB%, 38.5 K%, 169 PA.

Casey Schmitt:  DOB:  3/1/1999.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 215 lbs.  1 Option.  Arb Eligible 2027, Free Agent 2030.

2026 MLB:  .271/.301/.483, 17 2B, 3B, 21 HR, 9 SB, 2.7 BB%, 19.8 K%, 409 PA.

Osleivis Basabe:  DOB:  9/13/2000.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 197 lbs.  1 Option.  Arb Eligible ?, Free Agent ?

2026(AAA):  .268/.344/388, 5 HR, 12 SB, 9.6 BB%, 10.9 K%, 311 PA.

2026(MLB):  .202/.268/.341, 5 HR, 2 SB, 6.3 BB%, 20.2 K%, 143 PA.

Christian Koss:  DOB:  1/27/1998.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 185 lbs. 

2026(MLB):  .217/.257/.305, 6 2B, 4 HR, 5 SB, 4.1 BB%, 26.7 K%, 221 PA.

Nate Furman:  DOB:  7/23/2001.  B-L, T-R.  5' 8", 173 lbs.  

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.

Each of these 6 players has something going for them but there is probably not room on the 40-man roster for all 6.  Nate Furman will almost certainly be DFA'd when 40-man rosters are set for the Rule 5 Draft.  Basabe is on the bubble.  Jonah Cox is primarily an outfielder but showed surprising agility around the keystone and game-changing speed in a late-season audition.  Christian Koss is probably the best defensive shortstop so that gives him added defensive flexibility.  Second base is one of two positions where Casey Schmitt could play in a full time role but interestingly he is listed as an outfielder.  What struck me in Buster Posey's end-of-season interview with Alex Pavlovic if how convinced he seems that Marcelo Mayer is a true post-hype sleeper and a potential star.  It sure sounded to me and I think to  Alex and Cole Kuiper that the starting 2B job is his to lose in spring training.  

AAA:  

Diego Velasquez:  DOB:  10/1/203.  B-S, T-R.  6' 0", 208 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2026(AA):  .295/.384/.406, 19 2B, 4 HR, 21 SB, 11.1 BB%, 16.5 K%, 334 PA.

2026(AAA):  .283/.381/.400, 12 2B, 3B, SB, 12.0 BB%, 19.7 K%, 142 PA.

Velasquez seems like the forgotten prospect.  I could see a savvy GM grabbing him in the Rule 5 Draft.

AA:  

Dayson Croes:  DOB:  10/8/1999.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 199 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(AA):  .277/.336/.371, 14 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 6 SB, 6.8 BB%, 12.4 K%, 307 PA.

2026(AAA):  .280/.341/.387, 5 2B, HR, 2 SB, 5.7 BB%, 10.3 K%, 87 PA.

Kaeden Kent:  DOB:  8/29/2003.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A+- 2 teams):  .298/.350/.440, 24 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 24 SB, 7.5 BB%, 16.0 K%, 400 PA.

Croes is a hit machine but not much power.  Gotta think Kaeden Kent is going to get every chance to advance in the organization.  He's tearing it up in early Arizona Fall League competition.

A+:  

Isaiah Barkett:  DOB:  11/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 191 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .331/.411/.474, 23 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 18 SB, 11.4 K%, 8.2 BB%, 341 PA

2026(A+):  .297/.381/.405, 2B, HR, SB, 9.5 BB%, 9.5 K%, 42 PA.

Showed tremendous bat control and contact skills with limited power over two levels.  

A:  

Lorenzo Meola:  DOB:  12/17/2003.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 180 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .273/.314/.470, 40 2B, 5 3B, 15 HR, 9.5 BB%, 24.3 K%, 549 PA.

Luke Nixon:  DOB:  10/1/2004.  B-L, T-R.  5' 10", 165 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(College):  .367/.452, 595, 16 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 11 SB, 12.1 BB%, 14.0 K%, 257 PA.

2026(A):  .213/.315/.277, 3 2B, 2 SB, 13.0 BB%, 20.4 K%, 54 PA.

We've talked about how Meola's bat improved over the course of the season.  He should move up to A+ with Luke "Son of Trot" Nixon starting next season in San Jose.

ACL:

Yulian Barreto:  DOB:  9/20/2007.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(ACL):  .242/.331/.329, 5 2B, 3B, 2 HR, 5 SB, 8.1 BB%, 25.4 K%, 173 PA.

Signed in the same international class as Josuar Gonzalez.  Will probably start next season back in the ACL.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: First Base

Barring injury, the Giants depth chart at both first base and designated hitter is set in stone.  Rafael Devers and Bryce Eldridge, and they are set for years to come so prospective first basemen coming along in the farm system are likely auditioning to be included in future trades.  

MLB:  

Rafael Devers:  DOB:  10/24/1996.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 235 lbs.  Under Contract through 2033.

2026(MLB):   .258/.340/.525, 36 2B, 37 HR, 10.9 BB%, 25.4 K%, 633 PA.  

Bryce Eldridge:  DOB:  10/20/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 7", 251 lbs.  Arbitration Eligible 2029, Free Agent 2033.

2026(AAA):  .333/.445/.518, 5 HR, 14.6 BB%, 29.9 K%, 137 PA

2026(MLB):  .269/.364/.461, 23 2B, 17 HR, 13.2 BB%, 26.6 K%, 448 PA.

The Giants don't have to worry about 1B/DH until at least 2033.  The only way it would be more perfect is if one of Devers/Eldridge batted RH.  There is also a risk of Devers production falling off in the later years of his contract.  Casey Schmitt, Jesus Rodriguez or Victor Bericoto could play the position in a pinch.

AAA:  

Charlie Szykowny:  DOB:  6/30/2000.  B-L, T-R.  6' 4", 236 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .252/.317/.417, 14 HR, 11 SB, 7.5 BB%, 20.5 K%, 482 PA.

2026(AAA):  .243/.264/.371, HR, 1.4 BB%, 13.9 K%, 72 PA.

If I remember right Szykowny was drafted as a shortstop.  Now mostly a 1B.  Power showed up at A+ level in 2025.  Struggled in a small sample after promotion to AAA.  

AA:  

Sabin Ceballos:  DOB:  8/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 236 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(AA):  .227/.356/.398, 18 HR, 11 SB, 14.3 BB%, 17.9 K%, 504 PA.

Zander Darby:  DOB:  11/26/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 2", 218 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A+):  .278/.343/.486, 18 HR, 10 SB, 8.3 BB%, 31.3 K%, 432 PA.

2026(AA):  .250/.300/.250, 20.0 BB%, 40.0 K%, 30 PA.

Ceballos is a classic 3-true outcomes guy who is prone to extended slumps.  Hard to see a future in the organization.  Darby was drafted as a SS but is now more of a 1B.  Good hitter who will be blocked at 1B/DH.

A+:

Jakob Christian:  DOB:  9/17/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 232 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

A+:  .253/.371/.484, 9 HR, 12.9 BB%, 32.6 K%, 224 PA.  

Hayden Jatczak:  DOB:  8/18/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 4", 237 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .295/.395/.500, 9 HR, 6 SB, 14.2 BB%, 17.7 K%, 310 PA.

2026(A+):  .284/.364/.372, 3 HR, 3 SB, 13.0 BB%, 19.5 K%, 154 PA.

Robert Hipwell:  DOB:  3/6/2003.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 223 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A+):  .210/.352/.395, 8 HR, 2 SB, 16.3 BB%, 38.1 K%, 252 PA.

Jatczak makes more contact than Christian or Hipwell and will probably go the farthest but may end up as more of a 4-A guy.

A:  

Jeremiah Jenkins:  DOB:  5/5/2003.  B-L, T-L.  6' 3", 261 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(A):  .226/.356/.439, 17 HR, 15.1 BB%, 29.1 K%, 464 PA.  

Huge.  3-true outcomes.  Limited ceiling.

ACL:

Evan Estevez:  DOB:  8/14/2007.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 213 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .239/.345/.410, 7 HR, 3 SB, 13.1 BB%, 38.0 K%, 221 PA.

Carlos Concepcion:  DOB:  1/6/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 189 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.

2026(ACL):  .238/.315/.364, 4 HR, 7.7 BB%, 38.5 K%, 169 PA.

Both these guys have a long way to go. Not a great sign that both are mostly playing 1B.

Thoughts on the Postseason

A couple of thoughts on the postseason so far.  To my eye postseason teams have two common denominators:  1.  They have multiple pitchers who throw 100+ MPH.  2.  They have multiple lefty relievers.   That's all.

Giants Organizational Depth Charts: Catcher

 One of the oddest events of a season full of odd events was Patrick Bailey's trade to the Cleveland Guardians on May 9 for Matt Wilkinson LHP.  It's still not clear why Buster Posey made that trade, but it came after an odd at bat in which a Giants pitcher threw something like 9 straight sliders and subsequent rumors of friction between the coaches and Bailey over calling pitches from the bench.  Even odder was word after the trade that Giants pitchers were now allowed to call games themselves and performances noticeably improved.  Whatever the case, the Giants catching depth chart went from having a clear #1 to catcher competition which was complicated by injuries to Daniel Susac and Jesus Rodriguez.  

MLB:

Daniel Susac:  DOB:  5/14/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 5", 210 lbs.  3 Options, Arb Eligible 2029, Free Agent 3032.

2026(AAA):  .464/.545/.821, 2B, 3 HR, 2 SB, 9.1 BB%, 6.1 K%, 33 PA.

2026(MLB):  .243/.289/.375, 8 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 2 SB, 5.0 BB%, 22.3 K%, 161 PA.

Drew Cavanaugh:  DOB:  1/27/2002.  B-L, T-R.  6' 0", 219 lbs.  3 Options, Arb Eligible 2030, Free Agent 2033.

2026(AA):  .279/.456/.515, 7 2B, 3 HR, 3 SB, 18.9 BB%, 23.3 K%, 90 PA.

2026(AAA):  .311/.449/.550, 9 2B, 6 HR, 13.1 BB%, 24.8 K%, 137 PA.

2026(MLB):  .229/.315/.292, 4 2B, 3B, HR, SB, 10.8 BB%, 30.1 K%, 166 PA.

Jesus Rodriguez:  DOB:  4/23/2002, B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 201 lbs.  1 Option, Arb Eligible 2030, Free Agent 2033.  

2026(AAA):  .268/.347/.397, 10 2B, 5 HR, 7 SB, 10.7 BB%, 11.6 K%, 225 PA.

2026(MLB:  .235/.316/.412, 3 2B, 2 HR, SB, 8.6 BB%, 13.8 K%, 58 PA.

 

Andrew Knizner and Zach Morgan are also currently on the 40-man MLB roster.  Both will likely be dropped before the deadline to set the roster before the Rule 5 Draft.  It appears Susac, Cavanaugh and Rodriguez will compete for 2 of 3 catcher spots on the 2027 Opening Day roster.  They all have some positional flexibility so it would not be shocking to see all 3 make it.  All things being equal, Cavanaugh will have the edge for playing time due to batting left handed.

AAA:  

Adrian Sugastey:  DOB:  10/23/2002.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 213 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(ACL):  .355/.429/.484, HR, 8.6 BB%, 2.9 K%, 35 PA.

2026(AA):  .275/.323/.392, 2 HR, 2 SB, 5.9 BB%, 11.9 K%, 135 PA.

2026(AAA):  .289/.355/.422, 3 HR, 8.4 BB%, 9.5 K%, 95 PA.

Fernando Gonzalez:  DOB:  12/2/2001.  B-R, T-R.  5' 10", 205 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec 2027.

2026(ACL):  .364/.563/.818, HR, 25.0 BB%, 6.3 K%, 16 PA.

2026(A):  .232/.357/.304, 2 HR, SB, 11.9 BB%, 8.3 K%, 168 PA.

2026(AAA):  .280/.438/.480, HR, 17.6 BB%, 32.4 K%, 34 PA.

I could see a team looking for a back up catcher on the cheap grabbing Sugastey in the Rule 5 Draft.  Giants don't have enough room on the 40-man roster to protect him.  If he is not drafted, he should start the season in AAA and serve as depth for the MLB roster. Gonzalez is listed on the AAA roster but was a late organizational fill-in.  He may start next season in A+.

AA:  

Jancel Villaroel:  DOB:  1/17/2005.  B-R, T-R.  5' 8", 202 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(A+):  .305/.376/.480, 7 HR, 5.6 BB%, 18.2 K%, 198 PA.

2026(AA):  .200/.281/.308, 2 HR, 3 SB, 8.7 BB%, 18.8 K%, 138 PA.

Onil Perez:  DOB:  9/10/2002.  B-R, T-R.  5' 11", 226 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible

2026(A+):  .256/.315/.388, 3 HR, 3 SB, 7.0 BB%, 15.4 K%, 143 PA.

2026(AA):  .207/.294/.276, 8.8 BB%, 14.7 K%, 34 PA.

Ty Hanchey:  DOB:  12/19/1999.  B-L, T-R.  5' 9", 195 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible.

2026(A+):  .289/341/.526, 2 HR, 4.9 BB%, 31.7 K%, 41 PA.

2026(AA):  .246/.335/.374, 4 HR, 10.5 BB%, 29.2 K%, 209 PA.

Villarroel was acquired from the Astros for Kai-Wei Teng in the offseason.  He put up strong numbers in A+ before struggling at AA.  Ty Hanchey was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.  Held his own at AA and lefty batting catchers should get extra leash.  Onil Perez seems to have hit his ceiling at AA.  

A+:

Daniel Rogers:  DOB:  12/7/2001.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .275/.393/.549, 4 HR, 13.1 BB%, 24.6 K%, 61 PA.

2026(A+):  .233/.333/.345, 2 HR, 13.0 BB%, 33.33 K%, 138 PA.

Charlie Muniz:  DOB:  10/25/2001.  B-R, T-R.  6' 2", 220 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(Ind): .361/.470/.656, 27 HR, 14.7 BB%, 17.3 K%, 428 PA.

2026(A+):  .067/.176/.267, HR, 11.8 BB%, 47.1 K%, 17 PA.

A couple of undrafted free agents from the college class of 2025 with intriguing bats.  

A:  

Rod Barajas Jr.:  DOB:  7/12/2004.  B-L, T-R.  6' 3", 225 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(A):  .265/.346/.462, 13 HR, 9.4 BB%, 21.4 K%, 384 PA.

Scott Gell:  DOB:  10/23/2004.  B-R, T-R.  6' 1", 201 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2029.

2026(College):  .303/.377/.447, 3 HR, 7.7 BB%, 10.9 K%, 156 PA.

2026(Smr):  .242/.333/.288, 2B, 3B, 10.7 BB%, 38.7 K%, 75 PA.

2026(A):  .000/.111/.000, 11.1 BB%, 22.2 K%, 9 PA.

Rod Barajas Jr. is probably the best catching prospect in the system.  Big potential in the lefty bat.  Gell was signed as an undrafted free agent after the draft.  

ACL:

Santiago Camacho:  DOB:  1/27/2007.  B-S, T-R.  5' 10", 200 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .258/.340/.438, 5 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 11.7 BB%, 20.4 K%, 103 PA.

Yohendry Sanchez:  DOB:  11/9/2006.  B-R, T-R.  6' 0", 229 lbs.  Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.

2026(ACL):  .311/.468/.393, 5 2B, 3 SB, 21.5 BB%, 8.9 K%, 79 PA.  

Switch-hitting catchers are rare.  Fun Fact:  Yohendry Sanchez got a bigger signing bonus than Jhonny Level.  

ACL Giants 2026 Season Review

 The ACL Giants finished with a record of 34-26 good for 2'nd place in the ACL East and tied for 5'th overall in the league.  That did not get them into the ACL postseason.  The ACL roster started out with mostly DSL graduates.  A few players drafted in 2026 were worked in as the season wound down.  Most of the drafted players did not accumulate enough appearances to qualify as stat leaders.  

Teams Stats:  

Batting:

BA:  .266(6)

OBP:  .369(11)

SLG%:  .418(6)

Hits:  485(5)

Doubles: 97(7)

Triples:  19(10)

HR:  47(9)

Runs:  346(9)

Walks:  257(12)

Strikeouts: 532(5)

SB:  78(9)

My Take:  Again we see the pattern of high contact, low walks and low-middling power which comes up a bit short on runs.  

Pitching: 

ERA: 4.90(2)

HR(41(3)

Walks:  236(2)

Strikeouts:  564(8)

WHIP:  1.47(2)

GO/AO:  1.21(5)

Saves:  17(2)

Overall a good pitching performance in a pretty extreme hitter's league.

Individual Stats:

Batting(100+ AB for rate stats):

BA:  Luis Hernandez- .298, Anthony Marquez- 243, Yulian Barreto- .242.

OBP:  Luis Hernandez- .382, Luis Frias- .362, Anthony Marquez- .352.

SLG%:  Luis Hernandez- .535, Evan Estevez- .410, Carlos Concepcion- .364.

Hits:  Luis Hernandez- 59, Evan Estevez- 45, Anthony Marquez- 41.

Doubles:  Luis Hernandez- 19, Oliver Tejada- 9, Carlos Concepcion/Josuar Gonzalez/Anthony Marquez- 7.

Triples:  Luis Hernandez- 5, Evan Estevez- 3, Anthony Marquez- 3

HR: Evan Estevez- 7, Luis Hernandez- 6, Rayner Arias/Carlos Concepcion- 4

Runs:  Evan Estevez- 36, Luis Hernandez- 35, Luis Frias- 33

RBI:  Luis Hernandez- 45, Evan Estevez- 27, Luis Frias- 26

SB: Luis Frias- 16, Anthony Marquez- 11, Josuar Gonzalez- 8.

My Take:  Josuar Gonzalez came in just short of 100 AB at 99 but had a dominant slash line of .343/.451/.515.  Top Prospect in the system with the graduation of Bryce Eldridge.  Luis Hernandez was the rare 17 yo interrnational prospect to make his pro debut in the ACLand also dominated.

Pitching(20+ IP for rate stats):

Wins:  Jose G. Gonzalez- 6, Carlos De La Rosa- 4, Brayan Narvaez- 4

ERA:  Samir Chires- 2.08, Jose T. Perez- 4.09, Leandro Rodriguez- 4.18

Innings:  Leandro Rodriguez- 47.1, Carlos De La Rosa- 44, Luke Mensik- 40.1

Strikeouts:  Leandro Rodriquez- 58, Melvin Pineda- 54, Carlos De La Rosa/Marlon Franco- 47.

WHIP:  Leandro Rodriguez- 1.06, Brayan Narvaez- 1.19, Samir Chires- 1.19

GO/AO:  Jose G. Gonzalez- 2.07, Carlos De La Rosa- 1.68, Marlon Franco- 1.67, Luke Mensik- 1.66.

Hard to make too much of any of this. I saw Leandro Rodriguez pitch in the Cal League Championship Series.  He's a big lefty with a sidearm delivery, max velocity I saw was 92 MPH.  I think can be a lefty reliever at the MLB level.