Position-by-Position Breakdown of the SF Giants Instructional League Roster

SF Giants Instructional League Roster: Outfielders

Top 31 Prospects

Heliot Ramos, Franklin Labour, Alexander Canario, Hunter Bishop, and Luis Matos are some of the most exciting bats in the system. Check out their full scouting reports in the updated SF Giants prospect rankings.

Best Remaining Prospect

I’m going against consensus here.

Armani Smith had a toned-down version of Hunter Bishop’s prospect profile. He always had big-time power, but it didn’t really play in games until a breakout junior season. It wasn’t quite to Bishop’s level so Smith fell to the seventh round in last year’s draft. However, his .307/.372/.454 line suggested he could at least handle lower minor-league pitching. His strikeouts were inflated, but he has the tools to be an everyday corner outfielder.

2019 Draft Prospects

Grant McCray would be the best remaining prospect on most people’s list, but I’m much higher on Smith. McCray was the Giants third-round pick and first prep prospect selected in last year’s crop. He has plus speed and the potential to be a plus-defensive centerfielder. The lost minor-league season is especially frustrating for someone like McCray, who needs at-bats against advanced pitching.

Recent International Free Agent Signings

Diego Rincones is a 21-year old who knows how to barrel the ball. He’s never struck out in more than 13.6% of his plate appearances, but also hasn’t been able to tap into his above-average raw power. After reaching San Jose last season, RIncones seemed to reach a plateau. Perhaps a swing change to take advantage of his power could be in order.

Victor Bericoto made such an impressive debut in the DSL, the Giants sent him to the AZL for the end of the season. He hit .337/.458/.470 between the two levels and like Rayner Santana would’ve been one of the more exciting players to watch this year in a normal minor-league season.

Alexander Suarez signed in the same cycle as Bericoto but only played in 12 DSL games last season due to injury. He put up a similarly impressive .308/.472/.487 line. He’s just another young hitter worth tracking.

While we probably won’t get much information on how these prospects perform at the instructional league, it’ll be a huge chance for many to make impressions with the organization’s coaches and front-office personnel. With a plethora of depth at many positions, the team may very well be trying to identify prospects to trade, this camp could make those decisions easier for the SF Giants.