SF Giants promote top third base prospect to Double-A

One of the SF Giants top prospects is now one step closer to making an appearance with the big club. Earlier this week, it was announced that third base prospect Casey Schmitt earned a promotion to Double-A from the Eugene Emeralds.

SF Giants promote top third base prospect to Double-A

The Emeralds have become a feeder club for the Richmond Flying Squirrels in 2022. It makes logical sense given that Richmond is the next step after Eugene, but I cannot recall so many prospects earning midseason promotions to Double-A in one season.

Schmitt joins a bevy of former teammates from earlier in the season including Carter Aldrete, Armani Smith, Kyle Harrison, and Wil Jensen.

It is arguably a long overdue promotion for the third base prospect as he had a strong season with the Emeralds while shooting up the organizational prospect rankings. In 383 plate appearances in Single-A, Schmitt slashed .273/.363/.474 (136 wRC+) with 17 home runs, 59 RBI, and 58 runs. This includes a solid 11.0 percent walk rate against a 22.5 percent strikeout rate.

Interestingly enough, Schmitt appeared in 40 games at shortstop for the Emeralds after star prospect Marco Luciano hit the injured list with a lower back strain. The 23-year-old prospect's primary position is third base, but he has a strong arm and a good first step to potentially fill in as a spot starter at shortstop as well.

Schmitt has appeared in a handful of games with Richmond where he has tallied three hits in 11 at-bats.

San Francisco originally drafted him in the second round of the 2020 draft out of San Diego State University. He was a two-way player in college, playing third base as well as serving as the team's closer. The Giants decided against having Schmitt work as a two-way player, but his strong arm has been on display at the hot corner.

The right-handed bat brings an interesting mix of quality contact skills with the ability to get the ball in the air. That combination can leaves hitters exposed, but that is not the case with Schmitt. He recorded a fly ball in 45.1 percent of his batted ball events in Single-A, which is a healthy mark.

Schmitt is a name to follow as he is regarded as one of the best position players in the Giants' farm system. The promotion to Double-A is an encouraging sign and a nice reward for the 23-year-old as he has shown nice development since being drafted two years ago.