SF Giants draft LHP Matt Mikulski with 50th overall pick

The SF Giants selected left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski out of Fordham with the 50th overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft. The 50th selection has an allocated slot value of $1,469,900. Mikulski was considered a second-round prospect but is also a senior, which suggests he might be willing to accept a below-slot signing bonus. The Giants next pick will be 85th overall.

The Giants have signed each of their first-round picks (Hunter Bishop and Patrick Bailey) for signing bonuses below slot value since Michael Holmes was hired as amateur scouting director. The savings enabled them to spend more money on players later in the draft without incurring penalties. After likely saving money in the first round by drafting righty Will Bednar, it looks like they could be gearing up for a big splash on a prep prospect later in the draft.

The SF Giants selected Matt Mikulski with the 50th overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft.

Mikulski was considered a mid-round prospect entering 2020, but the condensed draft led him to go undrafted. He returned to school and tweaked his mechanics and saw his stock take a significant jump. This spring, Mikulski recorded an elite 1.45 ERA, struck out 124 hitters, and walked 27 in 68.1 innings pitched (11 starts). He finished his collegiate career with 272 strikeouts over 213 innings pitched with 92 walks and a 3.17 ERA.

Many expect Mikulski to move to the bullpen as a professional, but his arsenal could have him moving through the minor leagues quickly. His new mechanics add extra deception on top of a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and has touched 98 mph. He also throws a changeup and slider that project as 45 to 50-grade pitches. Neither pitch looks elite, but some scouts are higher on their potential because of his deceptive delivery.

The SF Giants have added an intriguing new prospect to their farm system after drafting LHP Matt Mikulski in the second round of the 2021 MLB draft. Stay tuned to Around the Foghorn for all the latest news surrounding the Giants draft picks.