MLB Amateur Draft Reviews: 2024 Giants Draft

I think most Giants fans think the 2029 draft was a total bust.  I know that has been my general impression.  While the first two picks did not develop as hoped, the draft is actually looking quite strong in later rounds.  

1.  Hunter Bishop OF, College:  Underslot- $640 K

As discussed extensively, finally had a healthy season in 2024 but needs to stay healthy and step up his game in 2025.  Still has outside shot at a MLB career with the Giants.

2.  Logan Wyatt 1B, College:  Underslot- $442, 500

Retired 8/10/2024.  Was the new "god of walks" in college.  Never got traction on his pro career.

3.  Grant McCray CF, HS:  Overslot- $6, 200

5-tool athlete who was raw when drafted.  Slow to find traction in the pros but advanced steadily over the last 3 seasons.  Ended 2024 as the Giants starting CF.  Probably needs a bit more seasoning but has a chance to be a plus player in all phases of the game.

4.  Tyler Fitzgerald SS, College:  Underslot- $$2,500

Ended 2024 as the Giants starting SS.  Buster Posey indicated he wants to add a SS this offseason and move Fitz to 2B or utility role.

5.  Garrett Frechette 1B, HS: Overslot- $425, 900

Released from A+ Eugene 7/23/2024.  Bat never developed.

6.  Dilan Rosario SS, HS: Overslot- $368, 200

Released from AA Richmond 7/24/2024.  Bat never developed.

7.  Armani Smith LF, College:  Overslot- $77, 300

Waived by AA Richmond and claimed by the Twins 12/7/2022.  Released from developmental ball 7/15/2023.  Looked like a promising power bat at A and A+ levels in 2021 but regressed badly after that.

8.  Caleb Kilian RHP, College:  Overslot- $221,200

2024(Cubs):  0-1, 4.22, 10.2 IP.   Traded to Cubs with Alex Canario for Kris Bryant.  Had a promising 2022 minor league season but struggled in several attempts to pitch at MLB level.  Missed most of 2024 with a Teres Major strain.

9.  Simon Whiteman SS, College:  Underslot- $132, 800

Released by AA Richmond 7/25/2023.  Speedy but undersized IF from Ivy League.  Currently enrolled in law school at Univ of Chicago.  

10.  Jeff Houghtby SS, College: Underslot- $123, 200

Played just one pro season in 2019 after the draft.  Retired 5/3/2021.

11.  Trevor McDonald RHP, College: Overslot- $700 K

Added to 40-man roster November 2023.  pitched at 4 minor league levels in 2024 after starting season on IL.  Started the final game of the season for the Giants with 3 shutout innings. Has 2 remaining options.

12.  Chris Wright LHP, College: Overslot- $25 K

Has pitched well in the minors as a lefty reliever/Closer.  Missed all of 2024 with an injury.  Currently on the AAA Sacramento roster.

13.  Harrison Freed OF, College: Slot

Released 3/27/2023.

14.  Nick Morreale RHP, College:  Overslot- $25 K

2024(A+):  3-3, 3.89, 44 IP, 10.23 K/9, 2.45 BB/9.

2024(AA):  1-1, 1.70, 37 IP, 7.30 K/9, 3.16 BB/9.

Big RHP who for some reason got buried at A+ level for 4 seasons despite excellent numbers.  Finally got a promo to AA last season with a low ERA but his K/BB took a hit.  A GM out there looking to add talent via the Rule 5 Draft might want to get a scouting report on him.

15.  Carter Aldrete 3B, College:  Overslot- $25 K

Nephew of former Giant Mike Aldrete.  Released 1/10/2024.  Like many other hitting prospects his bat hit the wall at AA.

16.  Brandon Martorano C, College:  Overslot- $25 K

Released 8/7/2024.  Career minor league BA .220.

17.  Connor Cannon 1B, College:  Underslot- $100 K

Released 3/12/2024.  Traded to Yankees 6/1/2021.  Released by Yanks 8/31/2022.  Resigned by the Giants 2/17/2023.  "Light tower power" but already had bad knees when drafted and was only healthy enough to play in 2 minor league seasons.

18.  Cole Waites RHP, College:  Slot

Hard-throwing reliever/Closer type who got a cup of coffee in 2023 which did not go well. He then underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2024.  Some Giants-oriented bloggers are advocating for him to be added to the 40-man roster again to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.  

19.  Kanoa Pagan RHP, College:  Slot

Has pitched very sparingly due to multiple apparent injuries.  Still on the A San Jose Giants roster.

20.  Najee Gaskins OF, College:  Underslot- $25 K

Released 8/9/2022 despite a pro career BA of .285.

21.  Bryce Fehmel RHP, College: Underslot- $98 K.

Voluntarily retired 5/30/2022 after second UCL tear.

22.  Javeyan Williams OF, College: Underslot- $100 K

Released 8/12/2021 after batting .209 at two levels in his first full pro season.

23.  Taylor Rashi RHP, College: Underslot- $98 K

Claimed off waivers by the Reno Aces in the D'Backs organization 12/7/2022.  Pitched fairly well at two levels with the D'Backs in 2024.

24.  Evan Lumbert RHP, College:  Underslot- $98 K

Released 3/30/2022 despite a pro career ERA of 1.56

25.  Richard Rodriguez SS, HS: Not signed

26.  Nick Avila RHP, College:  Underslot- $50 K

Got some notice when he went 14-0 with a 3.00 ERA for AAA Sacramento in 2023.  A couple cups of coffee in early 2024 did not go well and he was released and signed by the Orioles then released by them 8/26/2024.  Getting to the major leagues is hard.  Staying there is harder. Tough business!

27.  Connor Beichler SS, HS:  Not signed

28.  Reese Sharp RHP,  HS:  Not signed

29.  Brooks Crawford RHP, College:  Underslot- $98 K

Claimed off waivers by the Reds organization 12/7/2022.  Looks like he is still in the Reds organization.

30.  Justin Crump RHP, College:  Underslot- $25 K

Released 8/15/2021 after recording a 5.94 ERA with the San Jose Giants.

Summary:  If McCray, Fitzgerald and McDonald become MLB regulars, which looks possible, this will be one of the stronger drafts in Giants history.  Bishop, Morreale and Waites still have outside shots at having MLB careers.