SF Giants 2023 second-round pick promoted to San Jose

The SF Giants made a wave of promotions last week. However, you can add one more to the list. 2023 second-round pick Walker Martin is being bumped up to the San Jose Giants after starting the year in the Arizona Complex League (ACL).

SF Giants 2023 second-round pick promoted to San Jose

Chase Ford of MILB Central first reported the move last week and it is now reflected in the team's transaction log.

The Giants hope that the 2023 draft with Martin, along with Bryce Eldridge, can be a turning point for the organization. Walker was drafted in the second round out of Eaton High School in Eaton, Colorado. He agreed to an overslot signing bonus of just under $3 million compared to a slot value of $1.6 million.

The left-handed bat did not make his pro debut last year and was slowed by a hamstring strain to start this season. His debut in the ACL proved that he was rusty to start the season, but finished on a positive note.

Overall, he slashed .229/.413/.382 (115 wRC+) with six home runs, 22 RBI, and 32 runs in 189 plate appearances. This includes a 21.2 percent walk rate, 37.6 percent strikeout rate, and a .153 ISO.

In the final month of the year, the 20-year-old infielder tallied an .873 OPS with four home runs in 81 plate appearances.

Obviously, the strikeout rate is a number to monitor as he advances up the minor league ladder. He did show a modest improvement in that category as the season progressed, but the rate remains high.

That said, he is still very raw in a lot of respects and is adjusting to pro pitching for the first time. The development curve is not the same for every player and could take longer for some.

Despite the strikeout issues, Martin did show a balanced swing with the ability to barrel up pitches when he made contact. He struggled with offspeed pitches at times, which is not uncommon with young prospects. The lefty bat did a nice job of working the count and seeing a lot pitches, but would benefit from attacking more pitches in the zone.

For the time being, he now joins a San Jose team that has been the best in the California League with a 59-42 record. There is not much season remaining, but this should be a good learning experience and one that helps prepare him for next season.