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

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

6. Jairo Pomares

Position: OF
Age: 21
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Projected Level: Eugene (High-A)
MLB ETA: 2024

Tool Grades: (Present/Future)

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

PV 30 | FV 50

Pomares arrived a little late to the party, not playing for San Jose until mid-June, but he should’ve played in Eugene as he toyed with Low-A pitching when he was there. He earned his Eugene promotion only two months after his first game in San Jose and was challenged a bit not only by the competition but also by himself.

Jairo (pronounced as High-roh) does not have the pure raw power of Luciano but the Cuban has a better feel for the barrel than the Dominican with his smooth, left-handed stroke while also capable of posting mid-110 exit velocities because of his raw strength. He has exceptional plate coverage where he can hit a baseball over the fence, whether the pitch is thrown up to his jaw or down to his ankles. He has a good feel for spin and can work a pitcher up, but he goes over-aggressive, a trait more pronounced during his time in Eugene.

There are very few fallback options for Pomares if his over-aggression becomes a red flag because he is only a fit in the corner outfield. He’s improved his arm strength over the years from only being a fit to left field to someone who is passable at right field. He has decent range in the outfield with solid reads that allow Pomares to be a decent but not an exceptional fielder.

The combination of Pomares’ impressive feel for the barrel, tendency to expand the zone, and in-game power gives off similar vibes to Pablo Sandoval. His low walk rate is counter-intuitive to what the current regime looks for and, unlike Matos or Ramos, he does not have the defensive value if his bad habits stick. If he hits, however, there’s .280-30 homer potential either as a corner outfielder or as a DH.