SF Giants: Six prospects who could make an impact this season

6 SF Giants prospects who could make an impact this season: 6. Bryce Johnson

The odds of Bryce Johnson receiving a big-league call-up this season remain low, but it’s far from an unforeseeable scenario. While the former sixth-round pick out of Sam Houston State has never ranked among the top prospects in the Giants farm system, he’s always had a particular set of tools that could carve out a solid MLB career. Several teams have tried to employ designated pinch-runners in high-leverage games late in the season, and Johnson would be the prime candidate.

Johnson can flat-out fly. One of the fastest players in the organization, Johnson has always received rave reviews for his outfield defense and ability to wreak havoc on the basepaths. While it’s not uncommon for fast prospects to see their propensity to steal bases decrease as they move through the minors, Johnson has shown an adept ability to adjust to better competition. In just 78 games this season in Sacramento, Johnson has swiped 20 bags and been caught just twice.

Johnson has never been known for his hitting ability, but that’s taken a huge step forward this season as well. He got off to a flaming hot start this season at Triple-A but has cooled off over the last few months. Still, he has a solid .281/.374/.428 triple-slash, making him far from a pushover at the plate. If the Giants want to get creative late in the season and give Kapler an elite late-game option as a defensive substitution and/or pinch-runner, don’t be shocked if Bryce Johnson finds his way on the active roster.

The SF Giants hope to see their entire roster remain healthy through the rest of the 2021 season. However, injuries are sadly a part of every MLB season. As the Giants continue chasing a division title and more, they may have to turn to unproven prospects to reach their ultimate goal. While it’s far from the ideal scenario, players like Kervin Castro, Joey Bart, Jaylin Davis, Camilo Doval, Sean Hjelle, and Bryce Johnson will be waiting to take advantage of any opportunity that becomes available.