3 SF Giants prospects who are eligible for the Rule 5 draft for the first time this winter

3 SF Giants prospects who are eligible for the Rule 5 draft for the first time this winter

2. Grant McCay

Grant McCray has arguably the highest upside of the Giants' prospects who are eligible for the Rule 5 draft. The Giants selected the outfield prospect in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Lakewood Ranch High School in Brandenton, Florida.

McCray's pro career got off to a slow start given the canceled 2020 season and the fact that he appeared in only 45 games in the following season. The left-handed bat is still a bit raw in the batter's box but does a good job of consistently putting together competitive at-bats.

He registered a .255/.360/.417 line with 14 home runs, 66 RBI, and 101 runs in 584 plate appearances with the Eugene Emeralds this past season. This includes a 29.3 percent strikeout rate, 12.3 percent walk rate, and a .162 ISO.

The high strikeout rate is a bit of a red flag as there is some swing-and-miss to his game. Though, another factor is that he works a lot of deep counts, and with that comes some high strikeout totals. When he does make contact, the 22-year-old has flashed modest gap-to-gap power that could translate to a few more home runs down the road.

Importantly, McCray swiped 52 bags in 62 chances last season. Plus, his speed gives him a good chance at sticking in center field. The Giants need more athleticism on the roster, and he definitely brings that.

They may want to consider adding him to the 40-man roster. There is a chance that he gets added in the Rule 5 draft if left unprotected. However, the odds of him sticking are low. I think the lack of upper minors experience might be enough for teams to pass on him if he is left unprotected.