2018 MLB Draft: San Francisco Giants Draft Joey Bart Second Overall

The San Francisco Giants had the number two selection in this year’s Amateur draft. The chose to make Joey Bart, a Catcher from the University of Georgia Tech, their second overall pick.

After a miserable 2017, at 64-98, the San Francisco Giants earned the number two selection in the 2018 MLB Amateur Draft. They decided to be smart, and take a polished college bat in Joey Bart.

Bart was the number six ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. He grades out at a 50 hit, 55 power, 30 speed, 60 arm, 55 field according to them. He was linked to the Giants for the last month leading into the draft and the move doesn’t really surprise anybody.

He’s 6’3″ and throws and hits righty. This is his Junior Year at Georgia Tech, and his numbers are quite nice. He’s slashing .359/.471/.632/1.103 with 16 homers. Those numbers are a bit of an improvement, but the largest improvement came in his plate appearance. He has 41 walks to 56 strikeouts this season.

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In the second round, the Giants used the 45th overall pick on a literal giant. Sean Hjelle from the University of Kentucky stands at 6’11” and 215lbs. Flashes a mid-nineties fastball with a nasty knuckle-curve. His Slider/Cutter and Changeup are considered to be average offerings as well, per MLBPipeline’s profile.

He was the closer on Kentucky’s squad during his first year, and moved to the rotation last year. He was the SEC Pitcher of the year in 2017 after posting a 3.89 ERA while striking out 102 in 108.2 innings. This season he followed up with an even better campaign as he posted a 3.44 ERA Striking out 91 in 99 innings.

He doesn’t walk very many guys, as he’s only walked 66 guys in 228.2 innings. For a pitcher his size, the concern is always mechanics, but his motion is incredibly easy and repeatable, which bodes well for his future. If he makes the big leagues, he would tie Jon Rauch as the tallest player in big league history.

Next: Giants show potential in series against Phillies

The rest of the Giants picks will come over the next couple of days, and we’ll keep you updated on who, and what they bring in in the latter rounds. Stay tuned as we dive deep on our first two picks as well.