SF Giants add former Astros middle infield prospect on minor-league deal

The SF Giants never take a day off when it comes to organizational depth. They signed a former Houston Astros middle infield prospect inMichael Wielansky to a minor-league contract according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants add former Astros middle infield prospect on minor-league deal

The 26-year-old will report to High-A. Middle infield prospect Jimmy Glowenke began the season in High-A, but he was recently promoted to Double-A.

Another infield prospect, Dilan Rosario, was also bumped up to High-A as well when the Giants announced a couple of promotions on Thursday. Perhaps, they need more infield depth and Michael Wielansky checks that box.

The Houston Astros selected him in the 18th round of the 2018 draft out of the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio. Wielansky has a connection to current Giants general manager Pete Putila.

Putila joined the Astros' front office in 2011 and held many key positions, including director of player development. He assumed this role until becoming an assistant general manager for Houston in 2019.

There paths likely crossed at some point, so that could have been a factor in
Wielansky's decision to join San Francisco. The right-handed bat appeared in three seasons with the Astros organization, slashing .223/.324/.322 with an 11.4 percent walk rate against a 21.1 percent strikeout rate.

Power has never been a strength of his as he only tallied four home runs during that stretch, but still managed to get on base at a solid .324 clip. However, the Astros released Wielansky prior to the start of the 2022 season. It is not uncommon for organizations to release a handful of minor leaguers prior to the start of each season with there is an overage in headcount.

Since then, the former 18th-round pick has appeared extensively in non-affiliated ball with the Atlantic League over the past couple of seasons, appearing for the Long Island Ducks and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. He has posted an .872 OPS with 16 home runs in 461 combined plate appearances with both teams.

Wielansky has appeared at every infield position as a pro and even has some experience in left field. The Giants organization values that type of versatility, so he should have no problem carving out a role in High-A.