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.
Thank you, Doc. This was a good write up of a position that did not get much attention this year.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the Giants need to be surveying the league to see who needs some up and coming first basemen....because, as you point out, the path to the majors is mostly blocked for the next 6 years or more. Hopefully some of those teams have some up and coming pitching arms they'd like to deal.
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