6. Gavin Kilen 2B. DOB: 3/28/2004. B-L, T-R. 5' 11", 187 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2028.
2025(College- Tennessee): .357/.441/.671, 15 HR, 6 SB, 12.2 BB%, 11.0 K%, 245 PA.
2025(A): .205/.279/.282, 7.0 BB%, 11.6 K%, 43 PA.
We have to accept this ranking for Kilen on some faith in his college record and draft position. The numbers at A level are not good but it's a small sample and he was shut down early due to a nagging hammy injury. Based on everything I've read, he's expected to be fully healthy this spring and that will be the true test whether he is at risk of becoming another in a long string of Giants disappointing first round draft picks. I don't have any stats to back this up but if my memory serves me, the history of prospects who start their pro experience hurt and underperform is not encouraging. Kilen's calling card is contact and hit tool. He basically has to hit close to .300 to have significant value. He's been comped to Gavin Lux which would not be a terrible outcome.
My memory about injuries and slow starts mirrors yours. So two crude data points make a statistic! Hopefully Tony V can pull him through.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Boston just picked up Milwaukee 2b Caleb Durbin for six, count 'em, six players. Not interesting per se but interesting because one of the six is Kyle Harrison. Durbin is not exactly an all star; he's sort of what I'd like to see from Casey Schmitt had he been given the starting 2b job this year (with just a little positive projection). How Kyle's stock has fallen. It seems the BoSox decided they couldn't fix him. Maybe Buster should ask Zack M. to call his old friend in Milwaukee and bring Kyle back home.
ReplyDelete3 players went in each direction and the 7th is a Competitive Balance Round B selection in the 2026 Draft for Boston.
DeleteMilwaukee wanted Harrison to add to their depth in SPs.
Not sure Kyle should be "written off" – as someone who cannot be "fixed" if he even heeds fixing.
The thing about Harrison is his numbers aren't even close to awful at the MLB level, especially for his 21-23 age seasons (Lefty, Starter to boot). Teams must be seriously spooked about his velocity drop, though I thought I heard it had ticked up a bit with the Red Sox.
DeleteI sure do miss the Northwest league
ReplyDeleteKeith Law considers Kilen in the top 10 of the 2025 draft prospects and a steal for the Giants where they picked him. Hopefully continuing his development with Tony V involved will maximize his potential.
ReplyDeleteDoc, is that your top 6 are batters and the 2nd 6 are pitchers just for convenience in discussing?
ReplyDeleteNo.
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