San Francisco Giants 2021 Top 50 Prospects

Graphic design by John Stewart, @jonance on Twitter

The Giants have done a fine job rebuilding their system from top to bottom, large part in thanks to strong international scouting and college draft picks. While the system may be overlooked, they are starting to showcase some of their talent and should be a fun group of players to watch over the upcoming seasons. We are starting to see how Farhan Zaidi and crew are attempting to build this organization and while they may not be the flashiest group, they do have strong talents being showcased over all levels.

It will be interesting to see how the Giants continue to shape and mold this organization over the next couple years. With MLB cutting down minor league teams, it’ll be important to see how some of the younger guys with less experience perform and how the Giants plan on developing some of their lower level prospects.


Normally this list will consist of previous years stats and information in player development but with how 2020 went, I decided to keep some consistencies with my previous Top 50 list with regards to moving players up and down. Some small changes but an exciting new face of the system.

 

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. Marco Luciano, SS
Age: 19
Highest Level: A-
A new #1 in the Giants system and deservedly so. Luciano has become a superstar in the making. Many rankings will list Luciano in the Top 10 of all prospects and potentially some will list him in their Top 5 even. The Giants envision Luciano as a SS and he’ll continue getting the reps needed at the position to continue showing the organization he can stick there. The bat is key to Marco, in 2019 he blasted 10 HR in only 47 games while exhibiting strong plate discipline. 2022 is not out of the realm of possibilities but I would think 2023 we should see Marco in San Francisco sticking it to those dreaded NL West counterparts.


2. Joey Bart, C
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
When I first took over this position I never thought I would rank anyone higher than Bart at #1. Time has passed and Luciano has taken over the top of the list. This is not a knock on Bart but more of praise for Luciano that he was able to shoot his way up the list. Now on to Bart. He was called up in 2020 to make his MLB debut and was possibly rushed due to the year we all had, including Posey opting out to begin the year. Given 103 AB in over half of the games played this year, Bart posted an unsightly 41:3 K:BB ratio and at times looking lost and very beatable. Bart also was unable to get the illustrious first HR. Expect the Giants to give Bart more time in the minors in 2021 to continue his development and get back on track offensively.

Tier 2

3. Heliot Ramos, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: AA
I went back and forth rating Ramos ahead of Matos but ultimately stuck with Ramos here at 3. Ramos has a particular set of skills that makes him enticing to a lot of people and rightfully so. He’s extremely athletic and has a chance, if he remains healthy, to make a large impact in San Francisco. Ramos was injured in 2019 and ended up missing time again while injuring his oblique during instructs this past fall. Still very young and showed he’s able to make the necessary adjustments. Health is the key here and I hope he’s able to get past this and start showcasing his skills on a consistent basis.

4. Luis Matos, OF
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie (AZL)
Matos is an absolute stud and he was a steal in the 2018 J2 signing period. Premium position player and should have no problem staying in CF long term, Matos has speed and range to cover the wide ranges in San Francisco. Even if he loses a step over time, his bat will have no problem playing in either corner spot. In 60 games in 2019, Luis put up monster numbers which included a 7/48/21 line while batting .367/.438/.566/1.004. Luis spent a majority of his free time in 2020 posting videos on twitter that showed all the progress he was making at the plate. There is a lot to like with his swing moving forward and if he continues to work like this, look out.



5. Hunter Bishop, OF

Age: 22
Highest Level: A-
Bishop is an athletic and powerful prospect the Giants were fortunate to bring into their system. In 2019 Bishop slugged 22 HR, 12 more than his first two years combined. Bishop appears to have made some minor changes to his swing and hopefully that will allow him to drive the ball to all fields and help fine tune his approach. I’ll need to see him hit more consistently in 2021 and beyond but regardless the power and OBP will be key components to his game. Potential to be a star.


6. Alexander Canario, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-
Canario is going to be a fun prospect to watch continue growing in the Giants system. There is a lot to like about the young prospect hailing from the Domincan Republic. Protected from the Rule 5 Draft, the Giants added Canario to the 40 man roster this past fall. While its not fully expected we will see him in San Francisco in 2021, but its worth noting as the Giants think very highly of him. Quick bat, athletic and power. Look for Canario to build on his .318/.377/.623/1.000 line he posted in 2019.


7. Seth Corry, LHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A-
Corry was listed on the backend of MLB Pipelines Top 100 when the list first came out. Corry is best known for his CB but he also brings a quality FB and a developing CH to the table. Named the South Atlantic Pitcher of the Year in 2019, Corry posted a 1.73 ERA while striking out 172 in only 122.2 IP. I have Corry listed above Harrison, you’ll read more about him below, because we’ve seen Corry perform at a high level and while Harrison may have more talent in the future, this is a great problem for the Giants to have.

8. Kyle Harrison, LHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: High School
Potentially the highest ceiling out of any pitcher in the organization, Harrison passed on his UCLA commitment to sign with the Giants after they selected him in the 3rd round in the 2020 draft. Early reports from HS were that Harrison threw in the low 90’s but recently this past fall, Harrison was up to 97 mph! in instructs. I am extremly excited to see how Harrison matures and develops over the next couple years but there is a lot of time to pass before that comes to fruition. Here’s to long term health for the young lefty.

9. Luis Toribio, 3B
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-
Luis was brought into the Giants system in 2017 and has shined since day 1. Very advanced as a hitter who has a plan at the plate and that includes the raw power he brings from the left side. Toribio has competition now at 3B with the Giants selecting Casey Schmitt with the 2nd round pick in this last years draft. I’ll need to see Luis perform better defensively but the future is bright for this young prospect. Should he start off hot in 2021, potentially could see him listed in a few Top 100 lists.

Tier 3

10. Jairo Pomares, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-
This sweet swinging LHH got his first taste of professional baseball outside of the DSL/AZL in 2019 and we got a chance to see where his development lies. Currently trying to fill out his body, Pomares is best known for his bat. Expect him to continue using that as his calling card as he attempts to live his dream. Defensively, Pomares likely fills in the corner, maybe LF but he’ll need to lock down that side of the baseball to keep an edge on the other OF’s ahead of him. Something to keep an eye on is plate discipline and in 14 games in A- Salem that was evident, Pomares posted an ugly 17:1 K:BB ratio which killed his other counting stats.

11. Patrick Bailey, C
Age: 21
Highest Level: College
The Giants in a way stunned several people by selecting Bailey with their first selection in the 2020 Draft. Not because he wasn’t worth the selection but because it confused people as the Giants already have Bart in place. Bailey, the 2020 Johnny Bench Award winner for best catcher in college, is not just known for his defense but also his sweet switch hitting swing. Catcher is one of the most important positions on the baseball field and the Giants used two 1st round picks in 3 years on that position. Keep an eye on how the Giants use Bart and Bailey in the future but its always nice to have flexibility and quality.


12. Gregory Santos, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: A
Santos was added to the 40 man roster in the fall to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Santos is an exciting arm to watch. A starting pitcher throughout his minor league career, Santos hasn’t thrown many innings, 174.1, over the last 4 years. The Giants appear to be willing to give Santos as many chances as possible to stick as a SP. Command has always been a concern for Santos and it has to be something he’ll need to correct if he wants to refine his craft. In those 174.1 IP, Santos has issued 70 free passes. Reports from instructs detail that Santos was used no longer than an inning and used in relief. However, notes go on to specify that Santos threw some of the best baseball he’s thrown, averaging 98 mph.

13. Will Wilson, SS
Age: 22
Highest Level: Rookie
Acquired from the Angels in a salary dump, Wilson sits as the 2nd best middle IF prospect in the Giants organization. Wilson won’t wow you with spectacular tools but he’s consistent at his craft. The chance to play multiple positions across the diamond is always a plus. I expect Wilson to do just enough with what skills he has to be a regular on the Giants roster in the future.

14. Nick Swiney, LHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: College
Swiney could be one of the better selections in this past years draft. Coming from NC State, Swiney was a strong pitcher in a tough ACC and the Giants rewarded him with their 2nd round comp selection. Sitting low 90’s with his FB and quality secondary offerings, Swiney does a good job keeping hitters off balanced. Chance to be a mid to backend rotation piece once developed. Hopefully the Giants are able to get more velo over the next couple years.

15. Sean Hjelle, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA
Hjelle was left off rosters at instructs this fall and was essentially away from the organization during the 2020 year. Hjelle will be my biggest question mark coming into the 2021 season from the standpoint of development/progression. Hopefully he isn’t/wasn’t injured and was able to get the necessary reps this past year and he can hit the ground running.

16. Logan Wyatt, 1B
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
Wyatt is a patient hitter and one that is developing power as he matures and continues to fill out. In 19 games after being drafted in the 2nd round, Wyatt racked up a strong 26:29 BB:K ratio while adding in 3 HR and driving in 30. Wyatt is definitely a hitter I plan on following when 2021 starts. Seems to me like Wyatt has a strong chance to take over the every day role at 1B in a couple years.


17. Blake Rivera, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
One of the bigger jumps on this list due to me just undervaluing him as a prospect. Listed at #36 in 2020, I realized his quality arm would be more of an impact than I originally thought. Rivera displays a mid 90’s FB to go along with a plus CB. Whether he can develop a 3rd pitch or not, Rivera still has a chance to work his way up the organization with the impressive 1-2 pitch combo. Strong build for a pitcher.


18. Trevor McDonald, RHP
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie (AZL)
After only appearing in 3 games and pitching in 4 innings, McDonald wasn’t able to showcase all of his skills. It was a brief but a good starting point for the young prep arm who was taken in the 11th round of the 2019 draft. Reportedly up to 95 mph in instructs this past fall, McDonald also has a potential plus CB and will be working on developing a quality 3rd pitch. One of the better SP arms in the organization.

19. Tristan Beck, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+
Since being acquired in the Mark Melancon trade in 2019, Beck has regained his form he was showing before injuring his back at Stanford. Instructs reports note that Beck was recently reaching 95 mph on his FB and also displaying quality secondary offerings. If Beck can continue to stay healthy he has a chance to make the backend of the rotation and if he doesn’t, it is still very possible the Giants find a way to use his arm to be an impact in the bullpen.

20. Kai-Wei Teng, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: A
Omitted from last years Top 50, I was quick to realize he needed to be on this list. Acquired from the Twins in the Sam Dyson trade, Teng impressed in 79.2 IP in 2019 while posting a solid 88:21 K:BB ratio. As like with many others, it’s hard to tell how his development will be improved or will he regress over the lay off. Lot to like regardless from the big righty.

21. Diego Rincones, OF
Age: 21
Highest Level: A+
All he’s done is hit since being signed as international free agent in 2015. Rincones is still working towards developing power but I’ve seen this movie before. The guy who consistently hits but is still learning how to drive the ball eventually finds his way to being a hitter who drives the ball out of the park. Hoping Rincones is one of these types and while its still common to have hitters not develop their power tool, I’m willing to bet he does. 20 HR a season? No. But I wouldn’t be shocked if he was a 10-12 HR guy in a couple years.


22. Ricardo Genoves, C
Age: 21
Highest Level: A
Genoves has moved slowly since being signed in 2015 and he has done well with his time. Developing power at the dish as a hitter and continuing to refine his craft as a catcher is not an easy task. Known for his strong defense in years past, Ricardo knocked 9 HR in 2019 as things started to click. More than likely still needing more time to develop but there is a lot to like about this backstop.

23. Camilo Doval, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A+
High premium RP with the chance to impact late in games. Doval showcases his deceptive delivery with a high 90’s FB and presents a challenge for most right handed hitters. Shown at times to be erratic, Doval will need to clean up his command (34 BB in 56.1 IP in 2019) to harness his high end potential.

24. Carson Ragsdale, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College
Ragsdale was selected in the 4th round of the 2020 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies and was traded to the Giants for Sam Coonrod in early January. Listed at 6’8, Carson missed 2019 due to TJ surgery but was able to work his way back to be selected in the 4th round. Look for him to develop a 3rd pitch but currently he has a quality FB and a plus CB. Has a quality chance to stick in the rotation.

Tier 4

25. Aeverson Arteaga, SS
Age: 17
Highest Level: 2019 International Signee
Strong defensive minded SS, Arteaga was given a $1M signing bonus to sign with the Giants in 2019. Exciting prospect with the chance to stick up the middle, look for Arteaga to start his professional career this summer. Reports note Arteaga is a high contact hitter with plus speed.

26. Grant McCray, OF
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie (AZL)
Prototypical CF of the future, McCray is a small, athletic and very talented young prospect. Looking for him to continue making the necessary adjustments to continue his progression. Ultimately if power never develops, McCray has the chance to be a 4th OF for a long time in the big leagues.

27. Kervin Castro, RHP
Age: 21
Highest Level: A-
Added to the 40 man roster this fall, Castro reportedly dominated instructs and left several people within the organization very pleased moving forward. Kapler was quoted saying the following in an NBC Sports report:
“I thought Castro was a really interesting dude,” Kapler said. “A real strike-thrower, works fast, a little bit of a deceptive delivery, he gets right on top of hitters. He was exciting. I think there’s a chance that he can help us at some point in ’21.”

28. Casey Schmitt, 3B
Age: 21
Highest Level: College
Schmitt performed well during his 3 years at San Diego State University and the Giants rewarded him with a 2nd round selection in this past years draft. Schmitt known for quality defense and the ability to drive the ball, look for Schmitt to hit the ground running in 2021 and compete with Toribio for top 3B honors. If he struggles at the dish, he has the potential to be a pitcher. Lot to like here, excited to see him over the next couple seasons. Fun fact: his 2020 Bowman Draft non-autograph cards list him as a 3B, but his autograph cards show him as 3B/P.

29. Jake Wong, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+
Grand Canyon University alum, Wong impressed in his first year with the Giants in 2018 and held his own in 2019. Potential rotation candidate but his stuff could play up in shorter stints if given the chance to be a multi inning RP. We’ll see how the Giants attack his development in 2021 and see how he can build off of 2020 with little game action.

30. Caleb Kilian, RHP
Age: 23
Highest Level: A-
Drafted in the 8th round in 2019, Caleb led Texas Tech’s pitching staff as their Ace. Expect Kilian to be given a chance to start and prove he was worth the 8th round selection. 16 IP in 2019 across two levels, Kilian didn’t skip a beat, he racked up 17 K and only 2 BB.

31. Victor Bericoto, 1B/OF
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie (AZL)
Bericoto was overlooked in my previous Top 50 and while gathering more information I found an interesting prospect with the chance to excel offensively. In 2019 Bericoto exhibited strong plate discipline, 53:68 BB:SO ratio in 65 games split between the DSL and AZL while also slashing .337/.458/.470/.927. The Giants moved Bericoto around defensively from 1B to OF as they look to find a defensive home for the young prospect.

32. Matt Frisbee, RHP
Age: 24
Highest Level: A+
Frisbee, drafted in 2018 has done nothing but impress in his short time with the Giants. In 2019, Frisbee won Pitcher of the Year for San Jose. High K rate, coupled with low BB is a quality key to success and Frisbee showed he can be that type of arm. In 2019, Frisbee impressed with 154:28 K:BB line in 132.1 IP. Keep an eye on him in 2021 to see how the time off from game action helped his development.

33. Esmerlin Vinicio, LHP
Age: 17
Highest Level: 2019 International Signee
Vinicio is a young, raw but talented LHP signed in 2019 J2 signing period. Reports are exciting for him and I’m looking forward to seeing him get his first game action in 2021. Repeatable delivery, but needs to mature mentally and physically.

34. Adrian Sugastey, C
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 International Signee
Signed out of Panama, Sugastey will have a lot of time to develop but there is a lot to like about the young backstop. Catchers will take longer than most to develop and reach the big leagues so patience will be needed. Keep an eye on Sugastey as he matures, gains strength and reps over the next couple years. Potential is high.

35. Melvin Adon, RHP
Age: 26
Highest Level: AAA
It’s almost like a broken record at this point, but Adon throws hard. So hard that it regularly touches triple digits. Issue is, Adon doesn’t know where it’s going every time and that is a major issue. Adon will need to figure out command or he’ll never get his opportunity to blow hitters away late in games in San Francisco like we all hoped.

36. R.J. Dabovich, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: College
Hard throwing righty with a slider, curve and a split/change, Dabovich was drafted out of Arizona State in 2020 in the 4th round. Dabovich spent time between RP and SP during his time at ASU, it’s possible he’s given a chance to develop as a starter first before being an impact arm out of the pen.

37. Luis Alexander Basabe, OF
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
Basabe was acquired in early August of 2020 from the White Sox and played 9 games in San Francisco before the year ended. In 2018 Basabe smacked 2 HR in the Futures Game but unfortunately that is where the highlights stop for Basabe. Injured in 2019, Basabe only hit 3 HR in 74 games and then was let go in 2020. Hopefully the Giants can squeeze some talent out of him, if given full-time AB in San Fran, I would only expect modest numbers.

38. Sean Roby, 3B
Age: 22
Highest Level: A
Minimal HR through two years since being drafted out of Arizona Western Junior College in 2018, Sean has shown to be a quality hitter with the chance to develop power as he continues to mature. Defensively Roby could slot in at 1B if 3B doesn’t work out. Keep an eye on Roby and if he can show the ability to drive the ball out of the ballpark, he should shoot up rankings.

39. Jaylin Davis, OF
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB
This is a tough one, I really liked statistically what I saw from Davis and but did not like what I saw in his brief call up before the end of 2019. The 2020 season was more of the same however as Davis provided minimal impact in only 4 games. I still think there is a chance for him to provide an impact with the long ball, just not too sure we’ll see much more value in other areas.

Tier 5

40. Tyler Cyr, RHP
Age: 27
Highest Level: AAA
Potentially getting his first taste in San Francisco in 2021, Cyr should have some mid-relief impact in short stints. Cross-fire delivery, Cyr can reach upper 90’s and adds in a CB and CH to keep hitters off balance. In 2019, Tyler had 59 SO in 50.1 IP while only allowing 1 HR, something he’s done well with. Over 5 seasons with the Giants, Cyr has only allowed 6 HR.

41. Javier Francisco, SS
Age: 18
Highest Level: 2019 International Signee
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, Francisco is a young developing SS with the chance to impact the organization. Compared to Fernando Tatis Jr, keep an eye on him as he matures to see if he comes close to those lofty comparisons.

42. Sandro Fabian, OF
Age: 22
Highest Level: A+
2019 was a tough year for Fabian as he missed time and under performed. Talented OF but potentially being pushed down due to improved depth throughout the organization in the OF. Look for Fabian to get back on track in 2021.

43. Franklin Labour, OF 
Age: 22
Highest Level: A
Newly found slugging prospect Labour found himself in a good position heading into 2020 but unfortunately those hopes came to a screeching halt with minor league seasons being cancelled. In 2019 he lifted 15 HR over 72 games which demolished his previous high of 5. The Giants are hoping to get Labour in better shape heading into 2021 to allow him to continue his assault on pitchers.

44. Prelander Berroa, RHP
Age: 20
Highest Level: A-
Berroa, acquired via trade in 2019 from the Twins, will need to refine his command as evident of 9 BB in 16 IP in his brief showing with the Giants organization. A young arm with the chance to develop as a SP in a system that lacks true SP depth. Berroa will continue getting his chance to reach his ceiling but power pitchers with little control are easily fizzled out.

45. Rayner Santana, C
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie (DSL)
Santana blasted 10 HR in 48 games in 2019 while producing a stellar .294/.439/.553/.992 as a 16 year old in the DSL. Invited to Spring Training in 2020, Santana reportedly stayed in Arizona throughout the year. Anticipating another big year from the young backstop with a strong arm as he continues his development path.

46. Armani Smith, OF
Age: 22
Highest Level: A-
Power, athleticism and quality defense are some of the attributes Smith will be using to carry himself through the Giants system. Smith put together a strong showing in 2019 in A- Salem as he stroked .307/.372/.454/.826 across 43 games. Strike out rate could be worrisome as he continues his development but there is a lot to like about the former 7th round selection.


47. Garrett Frechette, 1B
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie (AZL)
A 5th round selection in 2019, Frechette enjoyed his first season with the Giants. Looking for continued development in the power department without sacrificing his solid approach. The 2021 season will be critical and I’m looking forward to seeing how he progressed without hardly any game action in 2020.


48. Cole Waites, RHP
Age: 22
Highest Level: Rookie (AZL)
Late round draft picks who make an impact are hard to find and while Waites is still a work in progress, the 18th round selection in the 2019 draft, continues to work on developing his craft. Numbers are not the best by any means but couple outliers. The good – 282 SO in 197 IP at West Alabama. The bad – 130 BB in 197 IP at West Alabama. Sometimes it takes time and sometimes it takes comparing yourself next to some of the best in the world. Electric arm.


49. Connor Cannon, 1B
Age: 22
Highest Level: A-
Cannon is an intriguing power prospect with the chance to work his way up to San Francisco in the future. Likely has more impact as a DH but he’ll continue working as a 1B. Cannon hit 31 HR in 88 games split between the Giants and UC Riverside.

50. Pat Ruotolo, RHP
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA
In 4 seasons with the Giants, Ruotolo has finished 89 games out of 113 while compiling 34 saves. 2019 was cut short via injury but was able to bounce back and pitch in Spring Training 2020. Pat will look to get back on track in 2021 as he works his way up the ladder.

Other players to note:
Jose Marte
Jimmy Glowenke
Dilan Rosario
Tyler Fitzgerald
Dedniel Nunez
Anthony Rodriguez
Alexander Suarez
Ronaldo Flores
Raffi Vizcaino
David Villar

 

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!




1 Comment

  1. So, yeah. We gotta love that Farhan’s team has assembled a bunch of kids from In-and-Out Burgers around the world. Assuming earth still exists in 2027 we might have a team.

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