San Francisco Giants 2019 Midseason Top 50 Prospects

Four of the Giants’ top prospects: Marco Luciano (left), Alexander Canario (second from the left), Luis Toribio (second from the right) and Jairo Pomares (right). Photo credit Kerry Crowley/Bay Area News Group

When I first took over this position as the San Francisco Giants correspondent, I was pretty sure the Giants would be making some huge changes to the current roster and improving their farm system. While Zaidi has continued to show his ability to find players who will contribute at the MLB level, he hasn’t had to do it by trading some of his key MLB players. Giants, winners of 17 of 22 July ball games, has brought their season standings to 2nd in the NL West and on the right side of the .500 mark for the year. The Giants appear to be putting the organization in a position to make a run at the post-season once again rather than seeing some of their stars head to different teams as the trade deadline inches closer.

This time of the year is a fun time for prospect hounds as most websites are nearing the end of publishing all of their midseason prospect lists. Full of recent draftees and international signings, researching your team will get you excited about what the future looks like. While most of these guys are going to take a while before you see them wearing Orange and Black, it’s still enjoyable to read about players in the farm system. Before we head on to my mid-season list, lets take a look back at my Giants preseason Top 50 as well as my 2019 draft recap.


Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)
Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster.


Tier 1:
1. 
Joey Bart, C (Preseason #1)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
Still the prize of the organization, Bart started 2019 off with a bang but then was slowed by an injury. Swing and miss is still something to keep an eye on but the power remains an impact. Absolute star and face of the organization of the future.


Tier 2
2. 
Heliot Ramos, OF (Preseason #2)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A+
Ramos came out of the gate hot in 2019 but was slowed due to injury. Missed a small chunk of time but has picked right back up where he left. Showing improvement in essentially every hitting category, there is a lot to like about Heliot’s 2019 season. Still only 19, look for continued development as he moves forward.

3. Marco Luciano, SS (Preseason #3)
Age: 17
Highest Level: AZL
I debated moving Luciano ahead of Ramos but decided to hold for now. I don’t think the gap is far between the two currently and he should move past him soon but for now he’ll stay #3 on my list. Luciano started 2019 in the AZL and has been an absolute force. In 29 games, Luciano is slashing .348/.453/.687/1.140 with 9 HR’s and 7 SB’s. Emerging star.


Tier 3
4. 
Hunter Bishop, OF (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-
The first pick for the Giants in the 2019 draft, fans and prospect hounds have to be excited about this guy. Biggest factors in Hunter’s development will be his plate discipline and for him to use his raw power to make pitchers pay.

5. Alexander Canario, OF (Preseason #4)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A-
Canario started 2019 in the AZL and was promoted to A- in July. Holding his own in Salem, excited to see what transpires as his 2019 season comes to a close.

6. Sean Hjelle, RHP (Preseason #11)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
The big RHP has performed admirably in 2019 across two levels and proving to be the best arm in the Giants system. Continued development of his secondary offerings and making adjustments at the highest levels will be key for Hjelle. Lot to like here moving forward.

7. Logan Webb, RHP (Preseason #7)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
Webb missed a chunk of 2019 facing suspension for PED use. Recently begun pitching again in the AZL. Look for Webb to bounce back and show the start of 2019 wasn’t aided.

8. Heath Quinn, OF (Preseason #5)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
Still a believer in Quinn, 2019 was slowed by an injury for the young OF. Looking for a strong finish to 2019 and strong start to 2020 for Quinn.

9. Jake Wong, RHP (Preseason #24)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
Wong performed well in Augusta and was promoted to San Jose in mid May. While he hasn’t seen the results he hoped for, he still has shown the promise that made him a 3rd round pick in 2018.

10. Seth Corry, LHP (Preseason #27)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
Corry has been a force in 2019 for Augusta, striking out 119 in 86.2 IP. Jumping up on several prospect lists, keep an eye out for his continued development as he moves up the ladder. One of few true SP options the organization has, strong end to 2019 pushes him higher.

11. Chris Shaw, OF (Preseason #8)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AAA
Shaw has done a solid job in 2019 in improving his plate discipline compared to years past. While he still isn’t the type of hitter we hoped for, he continues to show that he could be a guy who performs in the big leagues in the near future.

12. Logan Wyatt, 1B (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-
2nd round draft pick in 2019, there is a lot to like about Wyatt. The future 1B for the Giants, hope the power develops and he develops into a middle of the order run producing hitter.

13. Gregory Santos, RHP (Preseason #10)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A
2019 has been plagued by injuries for Santos. In his brief 2019 season, Santos continues to show that he can be a starting pitcher moving forward.

14. Diego Rincones, OF (Preseason #9)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A
Rincones still isn’t showing much in the power department (2 HR’s in 93 games), but he has shown the ability to drive in runners (46 RBI’s) when presented the chance. If Diego is able to generate a little more power, he should continue to push the organization as he moves forward.

15. Luis Toribio, 3B (Preseason #22)
Age: 18
Highest Level: AZL
Starting his pro career in 2018 in the DSL, management felt he was ready to begin 2019 in the AZL. Toribio continues to be a bright spot on this loaded AZL roster.

16. Melvin Adon, RHP (Preseason #15)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA
Adon continues to be a impact arm that should be contributing at the MLB level in the near future. The ability to miss bats at a high rate is going to be fun to watch.

17. Jairo Pomares, OF (Preseason #17)
Age: 18
Highest Level: AZL
Pomares begins his pro career in the AZL and he’s shown that was a smart decision by ownership. Previous reports of his ability to hit were spot on. Look for him to be a key piece of the Giants future.


Tier 4:
18. Abiatal Avelino, 2B/SS/3B
(Preseason #13)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA
Strong 2019 for Avelino, look for him to be a player who is called up for the stretch run as the Giants attempt to make a push for the playoffs. Avelino has the ability to play multiple positions and the bat will give him opportunities to perform.

19. Sandro Fabian, OF (Preseason #19)
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+
Late start to 2019 for Sandro, he’s come out of the gates hot. His bat will be key in his development, keep an eye out for a strong finish to the 2019 year.

20. Jacob Gonzalez, 3B/OF (Preseason #12)
Age: 24
Highest Level: A
Improving plate discipline in 2019, Gonzalez still hasn’t seen the results many would hope for. Still an intriguing hitter moving forward, patience will be key.

21. Garrett Williams, LHP (Preseason #28)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
Garrett has turned a strong AFL appearance into a strong 2019 campaign. Dropping his walk rate and limiting opponents to 7.3 H9 in 2019 compared to the 10.6 in 2018 has really helped Williams turn a corner in 2019.

22. Aramis Garcia, C/1B (Preseason #20)
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB
Aramis didn’t hit very well in his short stint to begin 2019 in San Francisco. He’s turned the corner in AAA and will be called up again around when the roster expand. Still power first hitter, will be interesting to see how he adjusts when he’s back up.

23. Conner Menez, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
Menez recently was promoted to San Francisco and deservedly so, he has swing and miss stuff and continues to show a strong ability to get hitters out at the highest levels. Look for Conner to contribute more in 2019 in San Francisco.

24. Camilo Doval, RHP (Preseason #21)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
2019 hasn’t been what Doval had hoped for but he’s still an intriguing arm to monitor.

25. Franklin Labour, OF (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-
Labour was brought along slowly and it appears to have helped. In 2 years in the DSL and 1 year in the AZL, Franklin only homered 7 times in those 3 years. In 2019, Franklin has hit 14 HR’s and continues to be a bright spot in the organization.

26. Luis Matos, OF (Preseason #29)
Age: 17
Highest Level: DSL
Matos signed with the Giants in 2018 and is crushing the DSL in his first taste of pro ball. There is a lot to like about Matos as he’s showing the ability to hit for average and power. Look for a promotion stateside in 2020.

27. Zach Green, 3B (Preseason NR)
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB
Recently promoted to the Giants, Green has impressed in his first year with the organization. Drafted by the Phillies, Green comes the Giants as a free agent and they couldn’t be happier. A potential corner IF with solid power and ability to hold his own defensively, Green is worth keeping an eye on if the Giants move one of their veterans.

28. Raffi Vizcaino, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA
Raffi has been with the Giants since 2013 and was developed as a SP in years past, moved to the pen in 2019 and its seemed to resurrect his career. Keep an eye out as another Giants RP.

29. Ricardo Genoves, C (Preseason NR)
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-
Ricardo has popped 7 HR’s in 30 games in Salem and is starting to impress with his ability to swing the stick. Showcasing solid plate discipline, 23:10 K:BB, he’ll need to continue to show this solid approach as he moves forward.

30. David Villar, 3B (Preseason #41)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
The bat continues to shine for Villar in 2019. He’ll be overlooked by a majority of lists, but that should change as he continues moving forward in his development.

31. 
Matt Frisbee, RHP (Preseason #35)
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
Frisbee continues to be developed as a SP and there’s good reason to believe he’ll stick there moving forward. Strong 2019 season as he’s proven to be worth the call-up to A+.

32. Trevor McDonald, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: N/A
McDonald was drafted in the 11th round in the 2019 draft and spurned his commitment South Alabama to play for the Giants. There’s a lot to like about this tall RHP, 2019 will be a short year but there is a lot to like.

33. Blake Rivera, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A
Rivera continues to show why the Giants liked him enough to draft in the 4th round in the 2018 draft. Possessing a strong arm, look for him to continue moving up the organization as he develops.

34. Esmerlin Vinicio, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 16
Highest Level: N/A
The cream of the J2 signing crop for the Giants, Vinicio was ranked 23rd in MLB International Pipeline rankings class. Vinicio is a long way away from impacting the Giants, but he’s an exciting arm to look forward to. Known to have good mechanics and showing a feel to pitch, Esmerlin has a lot of projection to be a potential middle rotation SP.

35. Sam Selman, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 28
Highest Level: AAA
Selman, 28, has been around prospect circles before. Coming over to San Francisco via free agency, Selman has continued to impress. In 47 games in 2019, Sam has a solid 78:18 K:BB ratio while exhibiting the ability to limit base runners. Expect to see Selman in SF soon.

36. Aeverson Arteaga, SS (Preseason NR)
Age: 16
Highest Level: N/A
An exciting SS who signed for 7 figures in this years J2 crop. Athletic and exciting who is a long ways away from impacting the Giants, look for him next summer as he begins his pro career.

37. Sam Coonrod, RHP (Preseason #33)
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB
Recently removed from TJ surgery, Coonrod has been in San Francisco helping the MLB club out. A starting pitcher turned middle reliever, look for Coonrod to stay healthy in 2019 as he continues to rebound from surgery.


Tier 5:
38. 
Jose Marte, RHP (Preseason #49)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+
Marte has plus stuff but continues to get hit at the lower levels as he continues to develop.

39. Grant McCray, OF (Preseason NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: AZL
McCray is an exciting name to follow as he moves up the organization. Grant, son of Rodney McCray, is an athletic OF who has the ability to impact the game defensively and offensively moving forward. Off to a strong start in 2019, looking for him to continue developing into an every day regular.

40. Sean Roby, 3B (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-
Lacking in the power department so far in Roby’s brief career, he has shown the ability to hit for a solid clip in 78 career games .310/.390/.437/.827.

41. Tyler Fitzgerald, SS (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-
Fitzgerald was drafted in the 4th round of the 2019 draft as a guy who would stick up the middle with the potential to be a SS moving forward. Tyler is a quality batter that hasn’t shown much power in the past.

42. Jacob Heyward, OF (Preseason #39)
Age: 23 (Turns 24 8/1)
Highest Level: AA
Heyward continues to show quality bat control and the ability to get on base with a .343 OBP in 94 games this year. He should be ability to contribute to the MLB club in the near future.

43. Garrett Frechette, 1B (Preseason NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: AZL
Drafted in the 5th round of the 2019 draft, Frechette is off to a nice start to his career. Promising future 1B/OF with the ability to impact the game offensively and defensively.

44. Dilan Rosario, SS (Preseason NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: AZL
Rosario was drafted in the 6th round of the 2019 MLB draft and has gotten off to a solid start in the AZL. Showing solid power for an 18 year old in his first taste of pro ball, Rosario is currently slugging .516 with 5 HR’s in 24 games.

45. Jesus Tona, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+
I highlighted Tona in my future post earlier this year. Tona has continued to impress as an impact arm out of the bullpen. Recently promoted to A+, Tona has accumulated 63 K’s in 30 games in 2019. Keep an eye on Tona moving forward if the Giants move some veteran bullpen arms in the future.

46. Victor Coronil, C (Preseason NR)
Age: 16
Highest Level: N/A
Coronil was signed in this years 2019 J2 crop. Will be some time before we see him in action but here’s a tweet of him taking batting practice.

47. Jalen Miller, 2B/SS (Preseason #14)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
Jalen has fallen the hardest since my preseason Top 50 debuted as he’s taken a step back slightly since moving to AA Richmond. This move down is more due to the Giants brass improving the overall health of the organization and not a knock on Miller.

48. Gio Brusa, 1B/OF (Preseason #45)
Age: 26
Highest Level: AAA
Gio continues to hit for power as evident of the 13 so far in 2019. Still lacking in plate discipline, 104:36 K:BB ratio in 90 games, Brusa will need to improve greatly to have an impact in the future.

49. Pat Ruotolo, RHP (Preseason #37)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AZL
Slowed by injury to begin 2019, Ruotolo is back on the hill as of recent and will be an arm to keep a close eye on in 2020.

50. P.J. Hilson, OF (Preseason NR)
Age: 18
Highest Level: AZL
If this was a list for athleticism, P.J. would be near the top. Flashes plus speed and arm strength, but it continues to be his inability to hit consistently that prevents him from moving forward.

Just Missed:
Manuel Geraldo 
(Preseason #16)
Aaron Bond (Preseason #36)
Mike Gerber (Preseason #43)

My name is Paul Aiton and I’ll be covering the San Francisco Giants prospects. I grew up in Yorktown, Virginia until 2014, where I’ve since been traveling the country the last few years in attempt to chase a dream, working in professional baseball. I played 3 years in college, one season at New River CC and another two at Averett University after a shoulder injury derailed my dreams of playing professionally. Since then, I’ve gone on to coach high school and collegiate baseball. I also worked with Inside Edge Baseball for 5 years while working in their advanced scouting department. Outside of baseball I like to spend my mornings either on a golf course or taking my puppy Ace on hikes through Arizona. You can follow me @Paul_8en on Twitter. I’m always available to talk about Giants prospects, anything fantasy related or baseball!




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