3 non-roster SF Giants position players to follow during spring training

The SF Giants published its list of non-roster invitees earlier this week. While that group leans heavily in favor of pitchers, there are a few position players to follow in camp. Grant McCray, Adrian Sugastey , and Yoshi Tsutsugo are just some of the names to watch.

3 non-roster SF Giants position players to follow during spring training

In recent years, the Giants have leaned more in favor of drafting pitchers and this year's non-roster list reflects that point. It is heavy on intriguing pitchers, but light on position players.

Nonetheless, there are a few prospects and some veteran players who will be in camp. Of course, the Giants are not limited to this list. They can pull players from minor league camp when the need arises. That usually occurs when teams have split-squad games.

Perhaps, a notable omission is infield Aeverson Arteaga. Arteaga was eligible for the Rule 5 draft this year, but the Giants chose not to protect him. Regardless, he could be an option for the Giants sooner rather than later as he is expected to begin the season in Double-A.

1. Outfielder Grant McCray

Similar to Arteaga, it was a bit of a surprise that McCray was not protected from the Rule 5 draft. He finished the 2023 season in High-A and his offensive profile is still raw in some respects. So, it was not a huge shock when he was passed up in the Rule 5 draft.

His defense and speed made him a potential fifth outfielder candidate for another team, but it is hard to hide position players on the active roster. They need to get at-bats at some point, and for McCray, he still needs minor league seasoning before his bat is ready.

With all that being said, the 23-year-old continues to rank as one of the Giants' better prospects. He is coming off of a solid 2023 campaign in which he slashed .255/.360/.417 (114 wRC+) with 14 home runs, 66 RBI, and 101 runs in 584 plate appearances with the Eugene Emeralds. This includes a 12.3 percent walk rate, 29.3 percent strikeout rate, and a .162 ISO.

McCray also swiped 52 bases in 62 opportunities. He really does fill up the box score. Though, his strikeout rate is something to monitor as he advances through the minors.

The 2019 third-round pick is arguably the best defensive outfielder in the organization. He has the speed to stick in center field while getting good reads off of the bat and running efficient routes to the ball. His arm is probably the weakest part of his defensive profile but it is passable for center field.

Given that McCray is in camp and is capable of playing center field, he should get plenty of game reps late in the game as a defensive replacement. Plus, he will likely be aggressive on the bases.