Examining how the SF Giants actually got really good value in 2024 MLB Draft

Examining how the SF Giants actually got really good value in 2024 MLB Draft

Round 11: Andy Polanco

Note: Polanco signed with the Giants for $150,000.

The Giants drafted Polanco as they began their third day of drafting. This is quite an interesting background because one way of signing into pro ball is like George Valera of the Guardians who was born and raised in the US but went to his home country of the Dominican Republic to get signed as an international amateur free agent. Polanco is the opposite. He was born in the Dominican Republic but transferred to the US at some point, played in showcases, and had himself get drafted. I think it is an interesting way of getting into pro ball. Usually, Latino players who do not sign with clubs in the IFA cycle see their baseball dreams fade quickly. However, I think this is a way for them to showcase their talents because predicting someone to become awesome at age 12 is like Shaquille O'Neal at the free-throw line. I think that this road is only likely for the families who have the cash or the connections to make it happen.

Polanco looks kind of raw but the tools are there. It is a lean but projectable body with the potential to grow into at least above-average or better power. He might lose a step as a result but he is a mover on the field. With how his swing goes, it looks like he will be a good lowball hitter with a pretty extended right arm throughout his swing. I want to see how he fares against high fastballs all in all, but he looks very intriguing. There are not many clips on defense so it is currently tough to predict how he is as an outfielder.

Round 12: Zander Darby

Note: Darby signed with the Giants for $150,000.

With their 12th-round selection, the Giants drafted the UC Santa Barbara infielder. UCSB is more known for their pitchers, namely Shane Bieber and Dillon Tate, but Darby could have been picked a day earlier had he stayed healthy this year. Unfortunately, injuries got in the way and the Giants pounced on the big value as many major publications have Darby as someone who could have gone on the second day. If the Giants did sign him, it looks like it is going to be a high-value pick.

There are plenty of similarities between Darby and sixth-rounder Robert Hipwell. Both are infielders who missed time throughout this year (though for different reasons) with a solid offensive profile. Like Hipwell, Darby also has a dominant left hand in his lefty swing but the bat path looks a bit better for making contact with a more compact finish while Hipwell has more uppercut. Darby has a good frame to build more strength. He also has a sound knowledge of the strike zone but his not being banged up this season likely put a dent in that department. One department that Darby has Hipwell beat is with the wheels. Darby is quicker and is a better baserunner.

Overall, Brian likes Darby more than Hipwell though with the finest of margins. Darby will likely play at third base at the onset of his pro career but I would not be surprised if he gets moved around. He is not exactly a strong defender at the hot corner but he should be pretty dependable.

Round 13: Drake George

This is the first guy that even Brian does not have much notes on. It seems like the 13th-round selection is a true scout's find or that the tools that he's shown in the Cape this season are enough to convince the Giants to add him to their pitching lab. It seems that he has a nice looking low-80s but that is pretty much it for him. I guess we'll know what he truly has in the backfields next year.

Round 14: Jeremiah Jenkins

Note: Jenkins

It seems like the Giants have done it again. With their fourteenth-round selection, the Giants selected the hulking first baseman out of the University of Maine. It looks like the Giants have an inside track with the Maine guys as they have drafted three players in that program over the previous four drafts. The pipeline started with Nick Sinacola in the seventh round of the 2021 draft and Quinn McDaniel with the fifth-round selection last year. However, it looks like Jenkins is the best out of the trio with him having a ranking that is well worthy of a day two selection.

The first thing that you'll notice about Jenkins is that he is a large man. A very large man. All 238 pounds of muscle in that 6'4" frame. He looks absolutely jacked with biceps as big as probably my face. He looks much thicker this year compared to last year though it looks like it is mostly functional strength. I hope he and Reggie Crawford can take a photo together. I bet they'll be best buds in the weight room right away.

Jenkins' country-strong frame gives him a lot of raw power to tap into. Now, towards how he taps into that raw juice. The swing is not safe for work. It resembles a swing that you will see in the 1920s, not the 2020s. Jenkins has an upright stance in the box. He is quite literally standing straight with the bat having a slight wiggle as he holds it around chest level with a good distance away from his body. The way he loads is also a sight to behold, as he closes his front side before swinging. It truly looks like a throwback swing.

That kind of swing does not work for everyone but Jenkins made it work, mashing at least 20 homers in back-to-back seasons. I really like how he swings angrily, with the intent of crushing baseballs left over the plate. He has massive torque generation and produces plenty of bat speed with a left-hand-dominant swing. The approach at the plate is also not too shabby with hints of hitting for contact.

On defense, Jenkins should get more credit than what he deserves as he's shown to be quite solid at first base, making some diving stops and solid enough footwork. The more I looked into Jenkins, the more I realized that I had already written way too much on him. Perhaps I like him as a prospect. I mean, it tickles my typical draft crush: lefty, athletic first baseman with big power.