One non-roster invite could be a sign of how the SF Giants view power-hitting prospect

The SF Giants extended 19 non-roster camp invites, including to power-hitting prospect Parks Harber. Interestingly, Harber is the only one from the group without any experience above High-A, which could be a sign of how they view the infield prospect.

One non-roster invite could be a sign of how the SF Giants view power-hitting prospect

It should be noted that Harber likely would have reached Double-A in 2025, if he had not missed nearly two months of the minor league season. He put up some of the most impressive numbers in the minors last year.

Overall, he slashed hit .323/.420/.550 (174 wRC+) with 13 home runs, 64 RBI, and 52 runs in 343 plate appearances split between the Giants and New York Yankees organizations. This includes a 12.8 percent walk rate, 23.0 percent strikeout rate, and .227 ISO. 

Harber’s 174 wRC+ ranked second among all minor league hitters who had at least 300 plate appearances. Kevin McGonigle of the Detroit Tigers (184 wRC+) led the way, and he is viewed as one of the best prospects in baseball. 

The Giants acquired Harber in a five-player deal that sent Camilo Doval to the Yankees. He registered a 1.097 OPS in 108 plate appearances with the Eugene Emeralds following the deal. 

The right-handed hitter earned in invite to the Arizona Fall League (AFL), where he was among the leaders in several offensive categories. This included hits (23), doubles (9), batting average (.383), and OPS (1.196). The AFL has become a hitter-friendly league, but it was an impressive showing nonetheless for the undrafted prospect.

Now, Harber will be in big league camp. The odds of him making the Opening Day roster are low. That is the case for many of the non-roster infielders in camp, as they would need to outperform Casey Schmitt, Tyler Fitzgerald, and Christian Koss.

That said, this is a chance for Harber to work with the major league coaching staff, which has finally been finalized. It is also an opportunity to make a good first impression. 

At 24 years of age, Harber is on the older side, so the Giants will likely be more comfortable moving him aggressively through the minors. Of course, performance dictates those conversations. He will likely begin the year in the Eastern League, which is a tough hitter’s environment and proven to be a good litmus test for Giants position players. 

The camp invite is a sign that Harber is on the Giants’ radar, even if he does not yet have any experience in the upper minors. If he performs well, the Giants could move him quickly.