SF Giants lean on contact again in the 3rd round by selecting Rutgers University outfielder

You can close the books on the first night of the MLB draft for the SF Giants. They selected outfielder Trevor Cohen out of Rutgers University with the No. 85 pick.

SF Giants lean on contact again in the 3rd round by selecting Rutgers University outfielder

The SF Giants added middle infielder Gavin Kilen in the first round of the draft earlier today. According to MLB Pipeline, he was the No. 21 prospect in this year's draft, but he came in well ahead of that, as the Giants selected him with the No. 13 pick.

It could be a sign of an underslot signing for San Francisco. In nearly every case, the team and player have an understanding, if not a verbal agreement, as to the type of signing bonus that it would take to sign.

The No. 13 pick carries a slot value of $5,524,300. On the other hand, the No. 85 pick carries a slot value of $935,300. Outfielder Trevor Cohen was not ranked in MLB Pipeline's top-250 prospects in this year's class. This could be yet another sign of an underslot signing.

That should give the Giants considerable bonus pool money to reallocate later in the draft. The 21-year-old outfielder has put up strong numbers in college, slashing .338/.415/.430 with four home runs, 100 RBI, and 131 runs across three seasons with Rutgers University.

This includes a solid 2025 campaign, where he posted a .983 OPS with two home runs, 36 RBI, and 45 runs in 273 plate appearances. Cohen swiped 19 stolen bases in 22 opportunities. Plus, he walked (30) more than he struck out (15).

While Cohen has not shown much power upside, Brian Recca of Northeast Draft Guide notes that he did show a year-over-year increase in his exit velocity. He may not hit for much power, but the Giants hope that better raw power leads to more doubles and triples. For what it is worth, Cohen did see an uptick to 24 doubles this season, up from eight doubles last year.

The Rutgers University product has a quick swing from the left side that is designed for spraying line drives all over the field and contact. He had one of the best strikeout rates in college baseball at 8.0 percent, and posted elite in-zone contact rates during his college tenure.

Cohen appeared primarily as a corner outfielder during his college career. That said, his bat does not necessarily profile as a corner outfielder, with below-average power. He is a decent runner and could move over to center field as a pro, where has bat would be a better fit.