SF Giants select OF Sal Frelick in FanSided mock MLB draft

In FanSided’s mock MLB draft, the SF Giants drafted Boston College outfielder Sal Frelick with the 14th overall pick. Frelick has been one of the most consistent hitters in the ACC since arriving on campus in 2019. This spring, he hit .359/.443/.559 with six home runs, 13 steals, 27 walks, and 28 strikeouts in 228 plate appearances.

A 5’9”-175 lbs. outfielder, Frelick has never looked like a powerful force on the diamond, but his small stature hides his legitimate big-league potential. He does not project to be a huge power hitter, but unlike similarly recent undersized draft prospect (and now Chicago White Sox second baseman) Nick Madrigal, Frelick has flashed 40-45 grade potential power, which grades out as just below average instead of virtually nonexistent.

The SF Giants selected OF Sal Frelick in FanSided’s mock MLB draft.

Frelick has long fit the profile of prospect the Giants have tended towards under scouting director Michael Holmes. In fact, I ranked Frelick among five potential draft targets last year. Young for his class, Frelick has always stood out for teams that more heavily rely on statistical models in their draft rooms. Yet, even with his relative youth, the Eagles outfielder has always shown an advanced feel at the plate. Frelick walked more than he struck out over his collegiate career, posting an elite 10.4% strikeout and 12.5% walk rate. His ability to draw walks so consistently is particularly impressive given Frelick’s ability to wreak havoc on the basepaths, 38 steals in 102 NCAA games.

Defensively, Frelick reads the ball well off the bat and combines a solid first step with his plus speed. He moved to right field as a sophomore and has actually dabbled on the infield dirt in summer leagues, but he solely played center field for Boston College this spring, and it remains his best position going forward. His arm remains his lone below-average defensive tool, which could limit him if he cannot stick in center, but his speed and instincts should enable him to stay up the middle.

The SF Giants will make the 14th selection in this year’s MLB draft on Sunday. While it’s unclear if they will have a chance to select Boston College outfielder Sal Frelick, there’s plenty of reason to see why president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi would be interested in adding the well-rounded prospect to the organization’s already strong outfield group.