SF Giants promote versatile infielder to Double-A

At this point, it feels like the entire Eugene Emeralds roster has been bumped up to Double-A. That trend continued on Saturday as it was announced that SF Giants infield prospect Carter Aldrete has joined the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

SF Giants promote versatile infielder to Double-A

If the Aldrete name sounds familiar, there is an obvious reason for that. Carter's father, Rich Aldrete, spent several seasons in the Giants organization after being drafted in the 31st round of the 1987 draft. In addition to this, Carter's uncle, Mike Aldrete, also played for the Giants oganization.

Mike was drafted by the Giants in the seventh round of the 1983 draft. He spent the bulk of his career in the Bay Area, playing three seasons apiece for both the Giants and the Oakland A's. The Giants bloodline runs deep for Carter Aldrete.

Eugene has been one of the top teams in the Northwest League. By a considerable margin, the Emeralds lead the league with a 51-35 record (.593 winning percentage). There is a lot of talent on this club and Aldrete has been one of the more consistent producers.

This was his second turn through the Northwest League as he appeared in 88 games for the Emeralds in 2021. In that season, he slashed .241/.301/.393 (85 wRC+) with nine home runs, 44 RBI, and 36 runs in 288 plate appearances.

His overall performance has been much better in 2022. In 279 plate appearances, he registered a .289/.369/.546 line (154 wRC+) with 15 home runs, 52 RBI, and 47 runs in 279 plate appearances. This includes an 11.1 percent walk rate against a 21.5 percent strikeout rate.

The 24-year-old prospect has not only been one of the better hitters, but he has also been one of the more versatile options with the glove. Aldrete has appeared at all four infield positions as well as right field with the Emeralds in 2022.

He will join a Flying Squirrels team that features a handful of players who began the year in Eugene including Kyle Harrison, Ryan Murphy, Armani Smith, and Cole Waites. This has been an encouraging season of development for Aldrete and the promotion to Double-A is a nice reward.