SF Giants hitting prospects week in review (7/10-7/23)

SF Giants Prospects Weekly Rundown: Rookie

Notable Performers

Aeverson Arteaga: 9 G, 31 AB, .290 AVG, .934 OPS, 3 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K
Alexander Suarez: 8 G, 30 AB, .333 AVG, .842 OPS, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 15 K, 4 SB
Elian Rayo: 7 G, 20 AB, .250 AVG, .900 OPS, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 10 BB, 2 K, 1 SB
Mauricio Pierre: 8 G, 29 AB, .345 AVG, .939 OPS, 3 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 BB, 12 K, 1 SB

With a couple more home runs over the past couple of weeks, Aeverson Arteaga has claimed sole possession of the home run lead in rookie ball this season with six blasts. The Venezuelan shortstop ranks second in the AZL in SLG, fourth in OPS, and is inside the top 15 in AVG and OBP. While Arteaga’s offensive numbers are skewed a bit by playing in a very hitter-friendly complex facility, the physical improvements that he’s shown heading to this season definitely helped him. The only concern that I have with regards to Arteaga is his below-average strikeout rate but he’s been flashing an above-average walk rate on the backfields.

The other standout player in the Arizona backfields in the past two weeks is Alexander Suarez. The cousin of top Giants prospect Luis Matos flashed his power and speed with his first home run and four stolen bases. The big thing that concerns me about his hot start this season is that his performance is fueled by a high BABIP of .444 and his peripherals (4.5% walk rate and 35.8% strikeout rate) are well below average. If he can improve his peripherals over the course of this season, he could make plenty of noise.

Down in the Felipe Alou Academy, Elian Rayo is controlling the strike zone that even Logan Wyatt could only dream of with a 33.3% walk rate and only a 6.7% strikeout rate. The 6’0″, 202 lbs. third baseman from Nicaragua already has a filled out frame for a teenager, and maintaining his body weight could become an issue as he gets to his mid-20s. However, he’s flashing an advanced eye at the plate and is proving to be a tough out against teenage pitching.

One of the most impressive athletes down in the Dominican Republic is the Panamanian Mauricio Pierre. One of the top signees by the Giants in the 2020 international free agent market, the outfielder has plus athleticism to go along with a projectable frame, above-average speed, and some raw power. He’s flashed a mature swing path in his first home run, and while there are obvious underdeveloped elements in his game, there is plenty of potential with the right coaching.

Stay tuned to Around the Foghorn for all the latest SF Giants news, rumors, and prospect updates. A complete rundown of the pitching in the system over the past two weeks will be published tomorrow.