SF Giants lean heavily on position players in Day 2 of MLB Draft

The SF Giants went with high upside on the first day of the draft. They followed that up by focusing on college position players on the second day of the draft.

SF Giants lean heavily on position players in Day 2 of MLB Draft

The Giants drafted first baseman/pitcher Bryce Eldridge and middle infielder Walker Martin with their first two picks. Both are high school players, meaning that they can use the leverage of college commitment in negotiations.

There were whispers that Martin had some type of understanding with San Francisco prior to the draft, but it feels like some of the bonus pool maneuvering this year will concentrate on being able to sign both players.

It is uncommon for players who are selected in the first 10 rounds to not sign. It happens, but it is rare. With that said, the Giants likely intended on creating some spending flexibility with their Day 2 picks.

3. SS Cole Foster - Auburn University

Cole Foster appeared in three seasons with Auburn University, The 2023 campaign was his best one yet as he registered a .336/.429/.570 line with 13 home runs, 49 RBI, and 57 runs in 263 plate appearances.

He primarily at shortstop but should be able to move around the the infield. The No. 85 pick holds a slot value of $820,000.

4. SS Maui Ahuna - University of Tennessee

Maui Ahuna spent his first two seasons with the University of Kansas and transferred to the University of Tennessee for the 2023 season. His numbers took a modest step back as he posted a .962 OPS with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 43 runs in 247 plate appearances.

He has an upercut swing from the left side, which produces some power as well as a fair number of strikeouts. He is a sure-handed shortstop and should be able to stick at that position as a pro. The No. 117 pick holds a slot value of $569,000.

5. 2B Quinn McDaniel - University of Maine

Quinn McDaniel spent three seasons as the University of Maine. He posted impressive numbers this past year as he slashed .354/.513/.688 with 16 home runs, 45 RBI, and 77 runs in 261 plate appearances.

This includes a massive 22.9 percent walk rate against a 16.9 percent strikeout rate. The right-handed bat has a nice, flat swing and a well-timed leg kick that helps to get the ball in the air.

He has experience at shortstop, but he was announced as a second baseman. This is likely an indicator of where he will play as a pro. The No. 153 pick has a slot value of $400,000.

6. C Luke Shliger - University of Maryland

The Giants sure do like drafting catchers and Luke Shliger checks that box off. the catching prospect played in three seasons for the University of Maryland, serving as the team's captain in 2023.

He had a nice season at the plate, posting a 1.105 OPS with 11 home runs, 52 RBI, and 78 runs in 328 plate appearances. This includes a huge 21.0 percent walk rate.

It bears mentioning that he only had two extra-base hits in the Cape Cod League last summer. That league uses wood bats, which could be a sign that Schliger is limited more to gap power. The No. 180 pick has a slot value of $314,000.

7. OF Scott Bandura - Princeton University

Scott Bandura appeared in two seasons with Princeton University. He showed noticeable improvement this past season as he tallied a .363/.454/.665 line with 12 home runs, 45 RBI, and 66 runs in 219 plate appearances. This includes a 14.1 percent walk rate against a 16.4 percent strikeout rate.

Bandura appeared primarily in right field and has an athletic, 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame with a strong arm. It is likely that he will be able to stick in right field as a pro. The No. 210 pick has a slot value of $246,000.

8. P Josh Bostick - Grayson College

Josh Bostick was the first pitcher that the Giants selected in the second day of the draft. Bostick began his college career as an outfielder, but has since moved to the mound. He pitched for Grayson College in 2023 where he registered a 2.52 ERA with 103 strikeouts against 28 walks in 60.2 innings of work.

He features a mid-90's fastball that has some good armside run from the right side with a quality slider. The changeup remains a work in progress. The No. 240 pick has a slot value of $198,000.

9. 3B Charlie Szykowny - University of Illinois at Chicago

The Giants sure do like two-way players. While Charlie Szykowny will stick to the field as a pro, he did have a bit of experience on the college mound. Not surprisingly, he flashes a good arm for third base.

The left-handed bat played in only one season at the University of Illinois. However, it was a very strong year as he produced a 1.081 OPS with 16 home runs, 55 RBI, and 47 runs in 237 plate appearances. In a way similar to Brandon Belt, Szykowny starts with a slightly open stance and closes the stance with his stride as he begins his load. There are some moving parts to his swing. The No. 270 pick has a slot value of $177,000.

10. P Ryan Vanderhei - Texas Crhistian University

The Giants finished the day by selecting another pitcher. Ryan Vanderhei pitched in three seasons for the University of Kansas before transferring to Texas Christian University. He produced a 6.75 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, and a 1.72 SO/W ratio in 13 appearances this past season.

The right-handed pitcher flashes a fastball that sits in the mid-90's with good armside run and a quality slider. His control needs to show improvement. The No. 300 pick has a slot value of $167,000.