Trio of SF Giants outfield prospects earn late-season promotion

The SF Giants had an off day on Thursday but it was a busy and exciting day for the organization. A trio of outfield prospects including Grant McCray, Vaun Brown, and Jared Dupere earned late-season promotions.

Trio of SF Giants outfield prospects earn late-season promotion

McCray and Dupere were added to the Eugene Emeralds (High-A) roster, whereas Brown was assigned to the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A), per the team's transaction page. All three were having strong seasons, so the promotions were no surprise. In the case of Brown and Dupere, it is their second promotion in 2022.

The Giants selected Brown in the 10th round of the 2021 draft out of Florida Southern College, which is a Division 2 school. It has been quite the ascent for the outfield prospect since being drafted just over one year ago.

It is not often that prospects reach Double-A in their first full season of pro ball, but Brown will be the second Giants prospect from the 2021 draft class to do so. Pitching prospect Landen Roupp was promoted earlier this month as well. Interestingly, Tristan Peters, who was acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline, has reached Double-A as well after being drafted last year.

Brown has done nothing but hit since becoming a pro. He slashed .347/.428/.636 (167 wRC+) with 14 home runs, 41 RBI, and 50 runs in 262 plate appearances with the San Jose Giants before reaching Eugene. He continued to hit following the promotion as he posted a 1.065 OPS with nine home runs in 194 plate appearances. Despite his short stint in High-A, it felt like his promotion was overdue.

In total, he slashed .348/.439/.626 with 23 home runs, 75 RBI, and 100 runs in 456 plate appearances split between two levels. This includes 44 stolen bases in 50 attempts to go along with a 10.3 percent walk rate and a 26,1 percent strikeout rate. On a different note, it is hard not to see Hunter Pence's energy and athleticism in Brown's game. He is an exciting prospect to watch.

Grant McCray and Jared Dupere will be replacing Brown's spot on the Emeralds' roster.

This has been a breakout campaign for McCray after being selected in the third round of the 2019 draft out of Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Florida. He registered a .291/.383/.525 line (131 wRC+) with 21 home runs, 69 RBI, and 92 runs in 507 plate appearances in Low-A. This includes 35 stolen bases in 45 attempts as well as an 11.4 percent walk rate and a 29.2 percent strikeout rate.

Similar to Brown, this is Dupere's second promotion this season. He began the season in the Arizona Complex League but he was quickly promoted after tallying an .884 OPS in 70 plate appearances. He continued to excel in Low-A, slashing .289/.364/.570 (133 wRC+) with 10 home runs, 29 RBI, and 26 runs in 143 plate appearances with the San Jose Giants.

The season might be winding down but a late-season promotion can be a positive experience for prospects. It gives them a chance to see how they fare at the next level and to be able to use that experience to prepare in the offseason.