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Best San Francisco Giants of the 2010s: 44. Chris Heston

By Joel Reuter |
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 19: Chris Heston #53 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 19: Chris Heston #53 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June 19, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Chris Heston had a memorable rookie season for the San Francisco Giants in 2015.

The San Francisco Giants selected Chris Heston in the 12th round of the 2009 MLB draft out of East Carolina University.

After two seasons at Seminole State College of Florida, Heston transferred to East Carolina and posted a 4.17 ERA with 88 strikeouts in 90.2 innings to improve his draft stock. He was a 47th round pick in 2007 and a 29th round pick in 2008 before he transferred.

He moved steadily up the organizational ranks upon starting his pro career, and he emerged as a legitimate prospect after posting a 2.24 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 135 strikeouts in 148.2 innings at Double-A in 2012.

Heston made his MLB debut on Sept. 13, 2014, making one start and two relief appearances down the stretch, and he broke camp the following spring with a spot in the rotation.

He started the third game of the season and tallied a quality start with three hits and two runs allowed in six innings of work against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Roughly a month later, he struck out 10 while allowing two hits and one earned run in his first career complete game against the Houston Astros.

Then, on June 9, he put his name in the record books with the 17th no-hitter in San Francisco Giants history and the 22nd no-hitter by a rookie pitcher, blanking the New York Mets on the road.

He struck out 11 and didn’t allow a hit or a walk, but he hit three batters.

The rookie wrapped up the season with 14 quality starts, going 12-11 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while tallying 141 strikeouts in 177.2 innings.

After the Giants added Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija in free agency during the offseason, Heston opened the 2016 season in the bullpen. He allowed nine hits and six walks with six earned runs in five innings before he was optioned to Triple-A and he spent the entire season in the minors or on the disabled list.

He was traded to the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2017 season in exchange for right-hander Tyler Herb, who was subsequently traded to the Baltimore Orioles this past offseason for outfielder Mike Yastrzemski.

Next. 45. Kelby Tomlinson

Check back here regularly as we count down the 50 best San Francisco Giants of the 2010s.

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