SF Giants MLB Draft 2020 recap: Uninspiring picks but system shows improvement

SF Giants 114th pick overall: Pitcher R.J. Dabovich, Arizona State University

As an Arizona State University product, the expectation is that R.J. Dabovich will be as good or greater than Barry Bonds. Is this too high? Probably.

The right-handed hurler had a successful two-year stint in college while working out of the bullpen and rotation. Though, in his brief 2020 showing, Dabovich pitched exclusively out of the bullpen.

He posted a 7-1 overall record with a 4.04 ERA and 64 strikeouts against 35 walks across 64.2 frames. Since he spent the majority of his college career as a reliever, there is not much of a track record. However, he has proven that he has no problem getting opposing hitters to whiff, but he struggles a bit with command as well.

Dabovich’s repertoire includes a mid-90s fastball and a slider. He has a curveball and changeup, but does not use throw either with conviction.

As a two-pitch pitcher, the 21-year-old will likely work out of the bullpen. If this is the case, then Dabovich could have a pretty quick ascent through the minor league levels. Though, I would not be surprised if the Giants, at least, tried him as a starter as well.