San Francisco Giants: Midseason Top 30 Prospects (Nos. 20-11)

18. C Ricardo Genoves

Age: 20
Current Level: Low-A
Acquired: IFA (2015)
Future-Value Grade: 40

Lucius Fox was the prize of the San Francisco Giants 2015-16 international free-agent spending spree. While he has since been traded, many of the less prominent signings from that class have emerged as legitimate prospects, including Camilo Doval, Franklin Labour, and Jose Marte. Genoves is also part of that group.

The 20-year-old was seen as a potential plus defensive catcher with a chance to develop plus power at the plate. That combination is always a good bet to at least become a solid backup catcher, while also offering starter potential.

Prior to 2019, Genoves had progressed steadily up the organizational ladder from DSL to AZL to Low-A, but he hadn’t stood out. The Giants sent him back to Low-A Salem-Keizer this season and he’s taken a step forward.

After hitting .243/.328/.311 with just one home run last season, his power has begun to show up in games. He already has five home runs in 80 fewer plate appearances on the season with a .288 ISO. The fact that he’s also striking out less while hitting for more power is an added positive.

While Genoves has the ability to be an above-average defensive catcher, scouts worry his frame will prevent him from handling the wear and tear of the position. Prior to this season, I would have said that meant an end to his prospect hopes, but the progress he’s made with the bat may still give him a chance to be an interesting super-utility piece.

That may be the perfect fit for an organization that believes it already has its catcher of the future in Joey Bart.