SF Giants have three prospects make Fangraphs' top-100 preseason list

On Monday, Fangraphs published its preseason top-100 prospect list. The SF Giants had three prospects make the cut, headlined by Bryce Eldridge coming in at No. 16.

SF Giants have three prospects make Fangraphs' top-100 preseason list

Middle infielder Josuar Gonzalez came in at No. 44, followed by Jhonny Level at No. 77. Eldridge and Gonzalez have appeared on every top prospect list published this winter. On the other hand, Level has gotten some consideration by several outlets as well.

Fangraphs usually puts together prospect lists that include some outliers compared to other publications. For the Giants, these rankings are not too dissimilar to the ones put together by other outlets.

With Eldridge, the summary focuses on his power tool, but Eric Longenhagen, Brendan Gawlowski and James Fegan highlight an important point about his defense:

"Even as just a fair defender at first base, Eldridge is one of the top position player prospects in the game."

Fangraphs on Eldridge's defense

Admittedly, In the games I saw from him last year, Eldridge's defense was about as shaky as can be. He looked a bit more comfortably by the end of the season. He is still learning the nuances of the position, and raw in some respects.

At the end of the day, the offense is what matters most for first basemen. Many of them can learn first base at they develop, but the bat is what will get and keep them in the lineup. I only bring this up because I know there were some criticisms to Eldridge's defense around this time last year, and that is secondary to what he does in the batter's box.

Both Josuar Gonzalez and Jhonny Level were arguably the best prospects in their respective leagues last summer. In the Dominican Summer League, Gonzalez slashed .288/.404/.455 (129 wRC+) with four home runs, 24 RBI, and 52 runs in 228 plate appearances. He also swiped 33 bases in 38 chances.

Scouts believe that Gonzalez will not only stick at shortstop, but he could even be a comfortably above-average defender at a premium position.

On the other hand, Level hit .288/.375/.493 (121 wRC+) with nine home runs, 38 RBI, and 50 runs in 261 plate appearances in the Arizona Complex League. He earned a late-season promotion to the California League, where he registered a .672 OPS in 147 plate appearances.

The switch-hitter showed more power than expected in his 5-foot-10, 154-pound frame. He has a wiry physique to make up for a lack of natural strength. Level is also a good runner with a strong arm. He has the athleticism to stick at shortstop, but the consistency needs to show improvement. A move off that position seems likely down the road.