SF Giants promote young infield prospect to Richmond, release a trio of recent draft picks

The SF Giants promoted top young infield prospect Diego Velasquez to Double-A after a successful stint in Eugene. They also released a trio of recent draft picks, including Dilan Rosario, Garrett Frechette, and Jared Dupere according to the team's transaction log.

SF Giants promote young infield prospect to Richmond, release a trio of recent draft picks

Both Frechette and Dupere had been assigned to Eugene, whereas Rosario had been playing for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Giants also cut ties with minor league outfielder Alerick Soularie after a brief stint with the club.

Frechette and Rosario were relatively high picks after being selected in the fifth round and six round, respectively, in the 2019 draft. Frechette struggled to adjust to pro ball as he spent parts of three years in San Jose. He did post a .647 OPS with one home run and 13 RBI in 78 plate appearances with Eugene this season.

On the other hand, Rosario was a capable infield glove but did not offer much with the bat. Jared Dupere was a 13th-round pick by the club in 2021. The left-handed bat did hit for some power, recording 15 home runs across three levels in 2022. He registered a .741 OPS and 12 home runs in 391 plate appearances with Eugene last season but missed time due to injuries.

On a positive note, Diego Velasquez gets moved up to Richmond after a solid run in Eugene. He slashed .274/.357/.389 (114 wRC+) with three home runs, 26 RBI, and 38 runs in 318 plate appearances in High-A. This includes a 10.1 percent walk rate, 17.0 percent strikeout rate, and a .115 ISO.

The switch-hitter has consistent mechanics from both sides of the plate. He has generally hit for more power from the left side, but hit for a higher average from the right side.

Overall, Velasquez does not hit for a lot of power. His swing is designed more for contact and line drives while he sprays the ball all over the field.

The Giants had Velasquez split time at second base and shortstop last season, but he has focused exclusively at shortstop in 2024. Perhaps, that is a sign for how they view him going forward.

While Velasquez is not considered a top prospect in the Giants system, he does have one of the better hit tools in the system. He will join Richmond as one of the younger position players in the Eastern League.