SF Giants hitting prospects week in review (7/3-7/9)

SF Giants Prospects Weekly Rundown: ACL

Notable Performers

Aeverson Arteaga: 5 G, 18 AB, .444 AVG, 1.746 OPS, 2 2B, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K
Adrian Sugastey: 5 G, 15 AB, .286 AVG, .686 OPS, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 5 K
Anthony Rodriguez: 5 G, 16 AB, .313 AVG, .921 OPS, 3 2B, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 6 K
Javeyan Williams: 5 G, 11 AB, .455 AVG, 1.443 OPS, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 BB, 4 K, 1 SB

The biggest talk in the Arizona backfields this week is the stellar early play of Aeverson Arteaga. He leads the ACL in home runs, is second in doubles, hits, and third in SLG and OPS. The top signee by the organization in the 2019 IFA cycle in terms of signing bonus gained a good amount of muscle in frame based on recent looks, and that resulted in a cleaner looking swing and in-game power. He looked to have lost a step but his arm strength is at least above-average. The tendency to pull the ball and the near 30% strikeout rate are potential causes for concerns but the 18-year old has been impressive at the start of the season nonetheless.

Another big signee who is off to a good start is Adrian Sugastey. The right-handed catcher while not as impressive as Arteaga is batting .333 after a week and a half of action but has yet to hit his first professional home run. He’s done a good job in terms of controlling the strike zone with healthy walk and strikeout rates. Sugastey has plus power and him hitting his first professional long ball is always a question of when not if.

The third 2019 IFA signee who is off to a decent start is Anthony Rodriguez. A shortstop when he was an amateur, Rodriguez moved to the hot corner as Arteaga is manning the premium position. He’s hitting for extra bases with four doubles after a week and a half of action but like Arteaga, his 35% strikeout rate is a potential cause for concern. He’s been a solid hitter based on past looks so there’s a good chance that it goes down as the season rolls on.

On the Giants Black squad, Javeyan Williams stood out with his hot week in the backfields where his eye at the plate stood out. The 2019 22nd round draft pick was originally signed to Eugene this season but was sent to the backfields when the outfield got crowded. The 24-year old has certainly shown that he is ready to go back to full-season ball, most likely in San Jose.

Stay tuned every weekend for a full rundown of the SF Giants hitting prospects on Saturday and pitching prospects on Sunday.