Potential SF Giants international prospect leads MLB Pipeline's 2025 IFA rankings

The international signing period is still a few months away but the SF Giants are linked to Josuar de Jesus Gonzalez. Gonzalez is widely considered the top prospect in this year's class. A lot can change between now and January 15, so being linked to a player is still no guarantee that a deal will come to fruition.

Potential SF Giants international prospect leads MLB Pipeline's 2025 IFA rankings

The Giants have received quite a disappointing return for their expenditures in the international free agent market in the Farhan Zaidi era. The parting gift of Bobby Evans' regime, Marco Luciano, Luis Matos, and Jairo Pomares, had their ups and downs throughout their Minor League and Major League careers.

Pomares had a nice comeback 2024 season while Matos has bounced around between Sacramento and San Francisco with a crowded outfield. And, we're not even talking about the plan, or a lack thereof, with Luciano.

Talking about the more recent draft classes have produced more role players than legitimate stars. Players like Aeverson Arteaga, Adrian Sugastey, and Diego Velasquez have done a good but not great job so far in their pro careers. Plenty of promise remains in the international free agent signings as they are still in the early onset of their careers.

Once the 2025 international free agent market opens on January 15, the Giants are expected to sign MLB Pipeline's number one prospect Josuar de Jesus Gonzalez from the Dominican Republic. While this will get plenty of headlines as Marco Luciano also received a similar spot in the ranking six years ago, Luciano and Gonzalez have very different skill sets.

While Luciano was hailed as this adonis of a figure oozing with raw power whenever he makes good contact. Gonzalez is more well-rounded and is a surefire shortstop, whereas Luciano will now likely move to the outfield, a move which I have long predicted and awaited.

Gonzalez' best skill is his defense where his arm strength is at least plus with good zip and is accurate across a variety of platforms. He is a very twitchy athlete who has good speed in the dirt but is not considered a burner on the bases. His fundamentals such as his footwork, hands, and internal clock befit a prospect that is worth a top signing bonus.

In the batter's box, Gonzalez is a switch-hitter with an advanced feel for the barrel and has shown plus bat speed on both sides. He is also a performer as he stood out in the 18U World Cup last August.

It should always be taken into consideration that these teenagers are, in fact, teenagers. They still need a lot of reps to develop and improve their craft, whether they signed for big money or are just looking for an opportunity in the Dominican backfields. Gonzalez should be inserted into that bucket. Only time will tell what happens to him. But as of right now, he will likely slot in the number two spot of a 2025 SF Giants pre-season rankings behind the incredible Bryce Eldridge.