2022 Pre-Season SF Giants Top Prospects: 10-6

2022 Pre-Season SF Giants Top Prospects: 10-6

8. Aeverson Arteaga

Position: SS
Age: 18
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Projected Level: San Jose (Low-A)
MLB ETA: 2025

Tool Grades: (Present/Future)

Hit 30/50 | Raw Power 45/45 | Game Power 20/40 | Speed 60/60 | Arm 60/60 | Field 45/55

PV 20 | FV 45

The Giants made Arteaga the club’s highest-paid prospect in the 2019 international free agent cycle. The Venezuelan made quite a statement with his first month in the Arizona backfields by hitting seven home runs and was a consistent hitter all season long where he finished his 2021 campaign by getting a taste of full-season ball in playoff-bound San Jose.

Aeverson (pronounced as “Iverson” like Allen Iverson) has a nice collection of tools. A plus athlete, Arteaga projects to stick at shortstop long term where his range, footwork, and strong arm are clean fits. His plus speed that gives him terrific range also plays on the bases where he is flashing good baserunning instincts. He typically shows the glovework to play the position, but his internal clock is a tick early during his cup of coffee in San Jose. He was often in a position to make the play and he projects to make the fundamental and the spectacular plays once the game slows down for him.

Even though Arteaga hit seven home runs in July, he did not hit another home run until the final day of August. Arteaga added muscle in his frame during the quarantine, but he only posted fringy exit velocities last season. His swing is currently more geared for line-drive contact, although he is working on adding more loft in the off-season to better tap his raw power. His approach is to swing early in the count or work the count until two strikes. Arteaga shows solid bat control, but his approach at the plate is still relatively raw.

Arteaga projects to be a glove-first prospect in the mold of Orlando Arcia. Once the game slows down for him on both sides of the ball, he is easily the best long-term fit at shortstop because of his potential defensive prowess. There are still plenty of questions with the bat that can only be answered by facing better competition, but if he does not show any red flags with his bat next season, he has the potential to be an everyday big leaguer.