San Francisco Giants: Who Will Replace Madison Bumgarner in the Rotation?

1. Tyler Beede

Tyler Beede was the Giants first round draft pick in the 2014 draft, playing collegiately at Vanderbilt. Since the Giants drafted Beede, he has become arguably the most intriguing prospect in the organization. He is currently the number one ranked prospect in the organization, overtaking Christian Arroyo’s spot prior to this season.

The 23-year-old right hander has been everything as advertised since being drafted. After the 2014 draft, he reported to the Arizona Fall League and ultimately finished the year in Short Season Salem-Keizer. Beede finished his first season as a professional with a combined 0-1 record with a 2.93 ERA in 15.1 innings, spanning across six starts.

After an impressive rookie showing, Beede began the 2015 season in Class-A Advanced San Jose, where he dominated. In nine starts, Beede went 2-2 with a 2.24 ERA and only nine walks in 52.1 innings — earning him a promotion to Double-A Richmond.

Things quickly went south for Beede in Double-A Richmond as he proceeded to go 3-8 with a 5.23 ERA in 13 starts. His main problem was his control — he walked 35 batters in 72.1 innings — a stark contrast to his numbers in San Jose.

Beede worked on mechanical issues in the offseason and began throwing a two-seam fastball in comparison to the mid-to-high 90’s four seam fastball he usually threw, in hopes to develop more as a pitcher. He also worked on locating his secondary pitches, which showed throughout the 2016 season.

After a drop in velocity the year before, Beede was able to regain his velocity during his second stint in Double-A Richmond. In 24 starts he went 8-7 with a 2.81 ERA and only walked 53 batters in 147.1 innings.

Beede was invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee in 2017 where he shined. In six games he made two starts going 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA in 13.1 innings.

As expected though, Beede was sent to Triple-A Sacramento where he is currently the ace of the staff. So far in 2017, in three starts, he is 1-0 with a 3.78 ERA in 16.2 innings. My only concern with him is that he has already walked seven batters on the year.

Beede’s biggest knock as a professional has been his location. There is no doubt that he is talented and has the potential to be a solid starter in the MLB, he will just have to be able to locate his pitches.

I would not be shocked if he is called up during Bumgarner’s absence. It would make sense if Blach struggles, or someone like Cain struggles like he has over the past couple seasons, and the team is in need of an arm.

Plus, Beede is on the same schedule as Bumgarner, which makes a whole lot of sense.