San Francisco Giants: Three Minor Leaguers who can help in 2018
Steven Duggar
Speaking of outfielders, Steven Duggar is a fast mover that fits the bill of a guy who can potentially help next season. Duggar is a perfect CF prospect, but could be far and away a gold glove right fielder. That’s how good his speed and glove are. His arm is just as good. The question is whether or not his bat is good enough to stick and get consistent time at the big league level.
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Just like Chris Shaw, Duggar skyrocketed up to double-a in his first full pro season. Duggar just recently has undergone the transition to center-field, but has been just as good of a fielder there. His bat was a pleasant surprise to the organization though. In that 2016 season he hit .302/.388/.448/.836 with 46 XBH, and 72 walks.
His 2017 season was lost mainly to injury, but he did very well in the Arizona Fall League with the Scottsdale Scorpions. The Giants organization seems content with the idea of grooming him to be the center-fielder of the future. That likely means they won’t put a long term contract block in front of him at the big league level.
Duggar won’t be ready to start on opening day, but could be a viable fourth or fifth outfield option by June or July. If Gorkys Hernandez is to struggle as a backup centerfielder (which would surprise nobody), then Duggar would be the first call they make. Span is done in centerfield, unless its an emergency. Bringing in Duggar if he’s ready would be huge. He’d be a big help if he’s ready and is starting to hit his potential.