How San Francisco Giants Top Prospects are Fairing in Spring Training

1 of 3

Feb 20, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Tyler Beede poses for a portrait during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Here we will take a look at the San Francisco Giants top prospects that are in spring training and how they are doing with the big club.

Sixteen of the top 30 San Francisco Giants prospects, according to MLB.com’s rankings, have played in a game this spring. That’s a lot of looks for some of the best talent in the organization.

Of course, most of these are small sample sizes where pitchers have filled in for split-squad games or when someone had to be removed early, but every time these prospects step on the field with the big league club it’s an opportunity to showcase their talent.

Eight of those prospects are already on the 40-man roster, and three are on the active roster, but all of those are pitchers.

There aren’t many chances for anyone else to crack the big league roster out of camp, and in fact, most of the top prospects have already been re-assigned this spring.

However, some of these players were given a good look during their time in camp, and we can use that to evaluate how productive they might be at the major league level in the future.

Plus, their performance in spring training could have a big enough impact to earn them a call-up during the season should injuries arise.

The San Francisco Giants don’t have one of the best farm systems in the league, and most outlets have them ranked in the 15-20 range, but the guys at the top certainly have a chance to make an impact at the big league level.

Let’s see how some of those guys performed this spring.

Feb 20, 2017; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants outfielder Steven Duggar poses for a portrait during photo day at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Hitters

When you think about the top position players for the San Francisco Giants in their farm system, the first name that comes to mind is Christian Arroyo.

The 21-year-old got a long look for the second spring in a row with 18 at-bats over 16 games. He tallied 5 hits, a home run and 4 RBIs this spring. He only struck out four times, but didn’t pick up any walks.

He was actually much better last spring when he had 10 hits in 18 at-bats with 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, 2 walks and just 2 strikeouts.

Arroyo got some looks at third base, which is probably his quickest path to the big leagues with the Giants. He will most likely start the season in Triple-A, and if he hits the ball well there, I think he’s the first position player to get called up this year.

Unless there is a need in the outfield, in which case I think Steven Duggar has earned some consideration. The 23-year-old hit .333 (4-12) this spring with 4 walks and 2 stolen bases.

There’s a chance Duggar could go back to Double-A to start 2017, but I think he ultimately ends up in Triple-A. And like Arroyo, if he continues to swing the bat well I think he could earn a call-up in 2017.

Aramis Garcia received just 4 at-bats this spring and picked up 1 hit and 2 strikeouts. The catching prospect is ranked as the 15th best prospect for the Giants. He’s already 24 and will probably start this year at Double-A. I’ve seen this kid in person several times and he can hit. I think he has the chance to be a back-up catcher one day for the Giants, or potential trade bait.

Shortstop prospect C.J. Hinojosa has played in eight games this spring, but has just one hit in eight at-bats. The 22-year-old needs some more grooming in Double-A before determining his future with the San Francisco Giants.

Outfield prospect Austin Slater is reaching a crucial point in his career as he’s 24 years old and already at the Triple-A level. He has put together a solid spring going 5-16 at the plate in 11 games. He’s hit at every level, I think he just needs a little more time develop.

He’ll go back to Triple-A to start the season, but depending on who performs better between Slater and Duggar will determine who gets the call-up if an outfield need arises.

Coming in at number 30 on the prospect rankings is infielder Ryder Jones. The 22-year-old is a former second round pick, and he played in the Arizona Fall League this past year. He got a pretty good look in spring training playing in 13 games and getting 4 hits in 12 at-bats.

Jones could start in Double-A, but a good performance will get him moved up to Triple-A quickly. He could become a solid utility bat for the San Francisco Giants one day.

Oct 1, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Ty Blach (50) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Pitchers

This is where things get a little crazy with 11 of the San Francisco Giants top pitching prospects being in camp. I’m going to highlight the top ones, and just mention those who got a couple of innings.

The most notable pitching prospect for the San Francisco Giants is Tyler Beede. He pitched in five games and threw 9.1 innings, while posting a solid 0.96 ERA. However, giving up 10 hits and 4 walks is a bit alarming. The talented right-hander still has some things to work out in Triple-A.

It doesn’t really feel like he’s a prospect, but Ty Blach makes this list. He’s still competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. He has a 5.56 ERA in 11.1 innings this spring. He’s given up 17 hits, but hasn’t walked a batter.

The past two outings have really hurt Blach as he’s given up 6 runs on 10 hits in 4.2 innings. Until then I thought he was the leader for the fifth spot in the rotation, but now it will depend on his next couple of outings.

Joan Gregorio is listed as the eighth best prospect in the system and second best pitching prospect. He’s thrown 2.2 innings this spring and given up 1 earned run on 4 hits and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts.

He will start the year at Triple-A, and it’s possible he could get some spot starts with the big league club this year, but the Giants would have to add him to the 40-man roster.

Andrew Suarez really struggled this spring spring giving up 3 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks in just 1.2 innings. He’ll probably go back to Double-A for more grooming, but if gets it together he could also earn a spot start or two this year since he’s already on the 40-man roster.

More from Around the Foghorn

Another bullpen option for this year could be Steven Okert. He already has 14 innings in the majors, and he’s pitched 6 scoreless innings this spring and allowed just 2 hits and 1 walk. He has a really good chance of starting the season in the Giants’ bullpen.

It was not a good spring for the Giants’ 13th best prospect, Sam Coonrod. He gave up 3 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings. The 24-year-old will go back to Double-A for grooming.

Dan Slania was very good in 2.1 scoreless innings this spring allowing just a hit and a walk. He’ll start the year in Triple-A and could also be a spot starter option since he’s on the 40-man roster.

Chris Stratton is in the same boat after giving up just 1 run on 4 hits in 5 innings with 6 strikeouts. The Giants have to figure out if they want to send him back to Triple-A to continue working on being a starter, or keep him in the bullpen.

We know Ray Black’s future is as a reliever. He only worked one inning this spring before being optioned to Triple-A. He’s certainly an option for a call-up if the Giants have a need in the bullpen this year.

And last, but not least, Chase Johnson got his second taste of spring training this year and threw 2 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts. He also has the potential to join the Giants bullpen at some point this year.

Next: San Francisco Giants Re-Assign Tyler Beede and Christian Arroyo

Now that we’re two weeks away from the start of the regular season, we should start seeing the regulars get more at-bats and innings. But I think we have a good idea of where all of these prospects stand right now.

Check back with Around the Foghorn throughout the rest of spring training as we keep you updated on all things Giants.

Home / SF Giants Prospects

Here we will take a look at the San Francisco Giants top prospects that are in spring training and how they are doing with the big club.

More from Around the Foghorn

Schedule