3 SF Giants prospects that turned heads in 2023 Spring Training

3 SF Giants prospects that turned heads in 2023 Spring Training

3. Catcher/Outfielder Blake Sabol

Sabol, 25, was selected by the Reds in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft and later was acquired by the Giants in a minor trade. Since he was a R5 selection prior to the deal, he now needs to be kept on the major league roster all year, or else the Giants will need to offer him back to the Pirates.

Fortunately, he absolutely went off at the plate in spring, cementing himself into the Opening Day roster plans. In 20 games, he went 16-for-46 (.348 average) with four doubles, three home runs and 10 runs batted in. He also showed off some impressive patience at the plate, drawing 12 walks against only 13 strikeouts.

Sabol is a catcher by trade and has reportedly been working hard to stay there over the course of the offseason and in spring. He joins a group of Giants catchers including Joey Bart and Roberto Pérez.

Sabol has little experience compared to both Bart and Pérez, appearing in only 94 games as a pro, so some of the learning with have to be on the fly. Given that he hits from the left side, Sabol is in a position to carve out a nice role if he proves he can handle right-handed pitching. He will need to hit early and often to stick.

He can also play some corner outfield, which makes him all the more valuable to the Giants. Since he's already made the Opening Day roster, he can rest easy knowing that his dream of making it to the big leagues has been recognized. For what it's worth, FanGraphs' Roster Resource projects he'll be the club's primary designated hitter.