San Francisco Giants: Players in Sacramento to Keep an Eye on in 2017
The Giants drafted Slater in the eighth round of the 2014 draft out of Stanford. He is 6-foot-2 and bats and throws right-handed.
In addition to playing the outfield, Slater has also spent time at second base, but will more than likely make a name for himself as a corner outfielder.
Slater has found success at the plate in every level he has played. At Stanford he hit .310 with 5 home runs and 72 RBI, according to The Baseball Cube.
In 2014, he started his first year as a professional in the Arizona Fall League. He proceeded to record a slash line of .333/.333/.556 in only two games before ultimately playing for Short Season Class-A Salem-Keizer.
In Salem-Keizer, Slater accumulated a slash line of .347/.417/.449 with 2 home runs and 23 RBI in 29 games.
In 2015, Slater split time between High Class-A San Jose, and Double-A Richmond, where he was consistently successful in both levels.
In San Jose he had a slash line of .292/.321/.396 in 60 games and had 3 home runs and 34 RBI.
In Richmond he recorded a slash line of .296/.350/.362 in 54 games. He did not hit any home runs, but had 13 RBI, 15 doubles, and 1 triple.
More from Around the Foghorn
- Atlanta claims SF Giants C Chadwick Tromp off waivers
- SF Giants: Could Johnny Cueto help down the stretch?
- SF Giants: Does Thairo Estrada have a role in 2022?
- SF Giants activate Alex Wood, option Sammy Long, and DFA Chadwick Tromp
- SF Giants: Hard-throwing reliever could be key in playoffs
Last season, Slater continued his quick ascension through the minors.
He began the year in Double-A with a slash line of .317/.413/.490, resulting in a promotion to Triple-A Sacramento.
As a member of the River Cats, Slater had a slash line of .298/.381/.506, belted 13 home runs, and had 42 RBI.
The PCL may be a hitter’s league, but it was nice to see Slater have some pop in his bat.
What makes Slater a solid prospect is his ability to consistently make contact and reach base. He has a quick swing and will put the ball in the gaps.
As a non-roster invitee to spring training this year he has gone 5-for-16 with 3 RBI in 11 games.
Slater will begin the year in Triple-A, but has a chance to make the major league roster at some point this year if he continues to hit like he has over the course of his career, and if left field remains an issue for the Giants.
Next: San Francisco Giants: 5 Players in Richmond to Watch in 2017
Although it is uncertain what role Slater will play for the Giants in 2017, one thing is for certain, the Giants think highly of him and he is their 19th ranked prospect overall.