SF Giants land 2 prospects in MLB Pipeline's top 100

The hot stove has cooled down as the offseason nears an end, but prospect publications put out some of their best content around this time of year. On Thursday, MLB.Com released its updated top 100 prospect list with Kyle Harrison and Marco Luciano appearing at No. 18 and No. 22, respectively.

SF Giants land 2 prospects in MLB Pipeline's top 100

For the past couple of years, both Joey Bart and Heliot Ramos were mainstays on top 100 prospect lists. However, Bart is no longer considered a prospect after collecting 291 plate appearances last year and Ramos has fallen off of the lists due to his struggles at Triple-A in the past couple of seasons.

Outfield prospect Luis Matos appeared on several preseason top prospect lists last year but struggled to the tune of a .636 OPS in 415 plate appearances across two minor league levels, including High-A, in 2022.

Harrison and Luciano are coming off of solid seasons, so their placement within the top 25 is not surprising at this point. For the past year, the debate has revolved around who is the better prospect in the Giants system between Harrison and Luciano.

If the prosect lists are any indication, Harrison has quietly moved ahead of Luciano as the Giants' top prospect. The left-handed hurler had a strong 2022 campaign in which he posted a 1.55 ERA in seven starts for High-A before earning a promotion to Double-A. He did not slow down as he tallied a 3.11 ERA 1.17 WHIP, 13.6 K/9, and a 3.26 SO/W ratio in 18 appearances for the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

If Harrison continues this upward trajectory, he could become a candidate to help the Giants as soon as 2023. The lefty should begin next season in Triple-A, but might not be there for long.

On the other hand, Luciano continued to prove that he is one of the best prospects in baseball. The right-handed bat slashed .263/.339/.459 (121 wRC+) with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, and 27 runs in 230 plate appearances in High-A. However, he was limited to just 57 games with the Eugene Emeralds after sustaining a back strain.

The 21-year-old was slated to play winter ball this year but he was shut down after 13 plate appearances with a similar back ailment. Luciano showed nice improvement in controlling the strike zone as he posted a 9.6 percent walk rate against a 22.2 percent strikeout rate.

The Giants' farm system is relatively top heavy with Harrison and Luciano at the top. However, Casey Schmitt is not too far behind as he reached Triple-A last year. He flashes one of the best gloves in the minors with good power. The Giants could see all three prospects at some point this season.