9. Trevor McDonald RHP. DOB: 2/26/2001. 6' 2", 201 lbs. 40-Man Roster, 1 Option.
2025(AAA): 9-9, 5.31, 142.1 IP, 9.11 K/9, 3.92 BB/9, 2.03 GB/FB.
2025(MLB): 1-0, 1.80, 15 IP, 8.40 K/9, 1.20 BB/9, 2.30 GB/FB.
I really liked McDonald as a pitching prospect since I saw him pitch in A ball. He finally made it to The Show late last season and opened a few eyes in the process allowing just 1 ER in 13 IP over his final two games and striking out 10 in his final start. His ground ball rates are elite. His pitch mix includes a 93-94 MPH sinker which he threw 40% and a tight, hard curveball which he threw 50%. Fangraphs also has him throwing a changeup and slider about 5% each. The changeup was his least effective pitch. Looking back in my mind's eye, I swear I saw a changeup that had the makings of a plus pitch. Delivering that more often would seem to be the best path to a full SP pitch mix.
At this point, Landen Roupp looks like the presumptive 5'th starter in the rotation but it's highly likely the Giants will need more than 5 SP's over the course of the season and McDonald should be an early option when more are needed.
Going out on a limb here, but I'll predict, with McDonald, if he's in the rotation this season (25+ starts), he wins the 2026 NL ROY. Hopefully the team follows suit, as well.
ReplyDeleteTheir new pitching coaches have interesting diverse backgrounds. Former Bucs manager Derek Shelton was quoted as saying "Justin Meccage will be a pitching coach, he has unbelievable knowledge". Christian Wonders Assistant pitching coach has worked as minor league pitching coordinator and Driveline, Frank Anderson known for pitching development in College and didn't know his son is former A's pitcher Brett Anderson who had. a nice MLB career. Im interested to see if young pitchers like McDonald can continue to take steps forward under these new pitching coaches.
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