3 absolute steals the SF Giants got in the late rounds of the 2026 MLB Draft

The 2026 MLB Draft is all wrapped up after the weekend and the SF Giants went heavy on pitching. If you’re aware of any two picks it’s probably their pick at No. 4 overall which saw them land right-handed starter, and Bay Area native, Jackson Flora and their pick at No. 90 overall which is when they chose Peyton Bonds, the nephew of Barry Bonds.

Those picks got most of the headlines, but there were some picks made in the late rounds that look like they were absolute steals on paper. These guys may not have the family lineage or high-prospect status of other players drafted but they should not be slept on at all.

3 SF Giants drafted in the late rounds who could prove to be great picks

Round 15: 3B Drew Smith, Oregon

In the 15th round the Giants went with third baseman Drew Smith out of the University of Oregon. He played four years for the Ducks and had a career slash line of .331/.424/.533 with 28 home runs and 136 runs batted in.

His senior year was his most impressive as he hit .342/.425/.622 with 16 homers and 64 runs batted in. He seems to have a ton of potential so if he rakes in the minor leagues he is a guy who could progress through the minors really quickly and prove to be a steal.

Round 16: IF Dalton Wentz, Wake Forest 

The Giants went with switch-hitting infielder Dalton Wentz in the 16th round. A lot of publications had him as a top-200 prospect but there were some concerns about whether he will sign so it’s not a sure thing that the Giants will be able to get him since he may opt to return to Wake Forest. 

Still, he was worth taking a shot on. He’s got power from both sides of the plate and hit 18 homers in 60 games last season so if they can convince him to leave college he could be a very nice addition to the organization.

Round 17: OF Tanner Malley, Western Michigan

In 50 games for Western Michigan last season, Tanner Malley had a ridiculous .446 batting average. He’s not a power guy at all as he’s yet to hit a home run while at Western Michigan but the Giants like those high-contact guys so if he gets a bunch of hits and has some speed he could be a guy to watch.

Late-round picks like these guys face an uphill climb if they want to make it to the big leagues, but if just one of them breaks through that would be a huge win for the Giants.

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