Top SF Giants prospect moves one step closer to the big leagues following promotion to Triple-A

The SF Giants have seen some rapid rises throughout their minor league system this season, with names like Patrick Bailey, Blake Sabol, Casey Schmitt, and Luis Matos taking the jump to the major leagues, and now another top prospect is one step closer: Marco Luciano.

Top SF Giants prospect moves one step closer to the big leagues following promotion to Triple-A

Luciano has long been considered the Giants' top position player prospect, and while his rise hasn't always been fast or pretty, he has continued to improve throughout his career as a minor leaguer, still being only 21 years of age.

Now, after a fantastic start to the season at the Double-A level, he has officially been promoted to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, one step away from his long-awaited major league debut, although that may not come in 2023.

In 56 games this year, Luciano is hitting .228 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI, while continuing to improve his stellar defensive play on the infield, and as of late, he's been red-hot, earning his call up to the next level.

Luciano got off to somehwat of a slow start in 2023. That said, he has been better since the start of June, slashing .256/.370/.463 (128 wRC+) with six home runs, 19 RBI, and 22 runs in 146 plate appearances. This stretch of play includes a 15.8 percent walk rate against a 28.8 percent strikeout rate.

While his overall strikeout rate of 29.8 percent remains high, it is part of an effort to see more pitches and make better swing decisions. This leads to deeper counts, and as a result, more strikeouts.

While Kyle Harrison has taken over the mantle as the team's top prospect, Luciano is still seen as the Giants prospect with the highest ceiling, and with Brandon Crawford ready to mentor young infielders at the next level, this is a great step in his development. Plus, Luciano should become the youngest active player in the Pacific Coast League as well.

With Schmitt, Thairo Estrada, Brett Wisely and Brandon Crawford, the big leagues are filled with middle infielders for the Giants, but as we move to 2024, keep an eye on Luciano to finally take the next big leap toward the major leagues.