SF Giants' latest extension likely pushes one corner infield prospect out of the picture

Matt Chapman's extension means that the he will be holding down the hot corner for the SF Giants for a long time to come. Unfortunately, it also means that Casey Schmitt is likely out of the team's long-term picture.

SF Giants' latest extension likely pushes one corner infield prospect out of the picture

When the Giants drafted Schmitt in the second round of the 2020 out of San Diego State University, there were some comparisons to Chapman. Even the Giants front office saw a little bit of Chapman in Schmitt's profile.

For starters, Schmitt is an excellent defensive third baseman and has an above-average arm due in part to being a pitcher as an amateur. He served as a closer in college and had a fastball that sat in the low 90's. While the Giants like to add two-way players in the draft, they only wanted Schmitt to focus on being a position player.

The young infielder rose relatively quickly through the farm system. The 2022 season was a strong one for Schmitt as he posted an .854 OPS with 21 home runs and 78 RBI in 526 plate appearances split across three levels, including a brief stint in Triple-A. He even took home a Minor League Gold Glove Award that season.

Schmitt followed this up with a strong showing in spring training in 2023. The Giants hoped that they had their third baseman of the future and even gave him an early-season promotion to the major league club.

The right-handed bat got off to a nice start with San Francisco, but it was a pretty clear mistake as he had not mastered the Pacific Coast League in a way you would hope with a prospect. Unfortunately, that is not a decision you can take back because it starts a player's option clock.

In parts of two seasons with San Francisco, the 25-year-old infielder has registered a .206/.248/.351 line (63 wRC+) with a 3.8 percent walk rate, 23.5 percent strikeout rate, and .145 ISO.

The numbers have been mildly better in 2024 as Schmitt has tallied a .655 OPS with five home runs in 89 plate appearances. There is power potential in his bat. Perhaps, he could reach 20 home runs someday. However, that is offset by a lack of plate discipline. That quality will need to be cleaned up for him to have a chance at sticking in the majors.

Due to Chapman's presence on the roster, Schmitt has rarely seen third base this season. The Giants have shifted him over to the middle of the infield where he is still relatively green with experience. That may be how his new role with the club.

However, third base remains Schmitt's best position and it is a shame that the Giants likely will not be able to give him another extended look. More than likely, he will serve as middle infield depth until his minor league option years have been exhausted.