SF Giants hard-throwing reliever impresses in first camp, wins Barney Nugent Award

SF Giants non-roster invitee Joel Peguero made a strong impression on the organization in his first spring training in major league camp. The hard-throwing reliever will leave with a nice honor, receiving the Barney Nugent Award, per a team announcement.

SF Giants hard-throwing reliever impresses in first camp, wins Barney Nugent Award

The award is voted on by teammates, coaches, training staff, and clubhouse staff. The Barney Nugent Award recognizes a player who exemplifies the Giants' spirit in their first big league camp.

Peguero becomes the first pitcher to take home the award since Dan Otero did so in 2012. While no list is of the previous award winners is publicly available, it does tend to favor players who were drafted or signed as an international free agent by the organization.

Ismael Munguia (2024), Casey Schmitt (2023), Brett Auerbach (2022), and Heliot Ramos (2021) were some of the more recent recipients. All had come through the Giants organization.

On the other hand, Peguero had a lengthy career in the minors before getting his first chance in big league camp. It is a little odd when you consider that his fastball velocity has frequently reached triple digits in bullpens and during games. That alone will get pitchers noticed.

However, development is never linear, and Peguero's path toward reaching the majors could become more clear after earning the Barney Nugent Award.

The Giants originally signed Peguero to a minor league contract in November. Obviously, this included his camp invite. He has posted a 4.69 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, and a 2.11 SO/W ratio across eight minor league seasons, most notably with the Tampa Bay Rays. The 27-year-old pitcher has tallied a 4.69 ERA in parts of three seasons in Triple-A.

He pairs his high 90's fastball with a quality slider but has struggled with control. That has not been much of an issue this spring, as he has recorded 6.2 scoreless frames with eight strikeouts against only one walk.

While Peguero has made a good impression with the coaching staff, his chances of making the Opening Day roster are not great. Players on the 40-man roster and those with opt-outs typically receive more serious consideration, especially if they are throwing well. Peguero does not fall under either category, so he will likely begin the year with the Sacramento River Cats. If he continues to throw well, he could be a candidate to join the major league roster after the season begins.