SF Giants Prospects Rankings: 10 Who Just Missed The List
SF Giants Next 10 Prospect Rankings
41. Esmerlin Vinicio
Age: 17
Highest Level: N/A
Acquired: IFA (2019)
Future-Value Grade: 35
Aeverson Arteaga and Alexander Suarez may have a case over Esmerlin Vinicio at this point, but he was the consensus top ranked prospect of the Giants international free agent class last year at the time, and without a 2020 minor-league season to compare to, I’m sticking with priors.
Vinicio was considered one of the most projectable pitchers in last year’s international free-agent class. A scrawny 6’2”-140 pound southpaw, Vinicio had already touched 92 mph, repeated his delivery well, and flashed advanced feel for both a changeup and curveball. With time and development to help him fill out his frame, it was easy to dream of some big velocity gains.
Giants fans should make sure to hit the breaks on their expectations. It’s entirely possible that VInicio follows that exciting developmental track, but as you’ll see with prospects throughout the system, development is never linear and exponentially harder to predict in kids younger than high school seniors.
He’s yet to make his official pro debut, but he came stateside to participate in the team’s Instructional League. If he impresses, he might begin his career at the Arizona League next year. Otherwise, he’ll head to the Dominican Summer League, where he’d still be just 18-years old.
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The SF Giants farm system is filled with exciting prospects, even those who do not rank among the team’s top 31. Only time will tell what players are able to have the most success and exceed all expectations. Following the conclusion of the Instructional League at Arizona, most prospects will return home to workout through the offseason until Spring Training.