Former SF Giants slugging prospect released by the White Sox

Not that long ago, the SF Giants envisioned that slugging prospect Chris Shaw would be a middle-of-the-order threat for years to come. That never came to fruition and the 29-year-old will be looking for his next opportunity after being released by the Chicago White Sox earlier this week according to the team's transaction log.

Former SF Giants slugging prospect released by the White Sox

The Giants selected the left-handed bat in the first round of the 2015 draft out of Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. They received a compensatory pick when Pablo Sandoval rejected a qualifying offer and signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Boston Red Sox after the 2014 season. The pick was used to add Shaw.

Shaw appeared primarily at first base in college, but the Giants stretched him out to the outfield once he came into the organization. He was blocked at first base with Brandon Belt firmly entrenched at the position, so learning a new position was another way to keep the power bat in the lineup.

The former top pick cruised through the lower minors as is often the case with college bats. However, he hit a bit of a road bump in Double-A. Shaw was an aggressive hitter and took huge swings, so when he connected, the ball would travel far.

However, this left something to be desired in terms of controlling the strike zone and identifying pitches where he could do damage. Nevertheless, development is never linear, and Shaw continued to make progress.

After an encouraging 2018 season in Triple-A in which he blasted 24 home runs with an 813. OPS in 422 plate appearances, the Giants rewarded him with a promotion. Despite being considered one of the better prospects in the organization, this turned out to be his longest look in a Giants uniform.

The power hitter recorded 10 hits, including a home run, in 62 plate appearances with the Giants down the stretch that year. The one home run remains the lone major league blast of his career, but it was a majestic one that sailed over the right field fence in a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Shaw remained with the organization for the next couple of seasons, but it was clear that he had fallen out of favor with the new regime taking over after the 2018 season. Since then, he has appeared with the Baltimore Orioles and White Sox organizations.

The lefty bat registered a .754 OPS in 225 plate appearances with Double-A before being released. He will look to catch on with a new organization to continue his career.