SF Giants minor league home run leader earns a promotion to Double-A

SF Giants outfield prospect Lisbel Diaz hit his way to a promotion. On Tuesday, the Richmond Flying Squirrels announced that Diaz has been promoted to Double-A.

Pitching prospect Miguel Mendez is joining Diaz in Double-A. He was acquired, along with middle infielder Joniel Hernandez, in the trade that sent Robbie Ray to the San Diego Padres.

It is not currently reflected on the team website, but Mendez occupies a spot on the 40-man roster. His contract was selected by the Padres in the offseason, and he has spent a good bit of time on the injured list.

Before the trade, Mendez had spent some time in Double-A in the Padres’ organization. He has not pitched above that level yet, so he is likely not a candidate to play for the Giants this year.

The Eugene Emeralds also received reinforcements following the Lisbel Diaz promotion. Outfielders Jose Ortiz and Damian Bravo were moved up from San Jose. Both had recently completed rehab assignments. In particular, Ortiz had been on the injured list all year before the move.

SF Giants outfield prospect has excelled while facing off against older competition

On the other hand, Diaz earned a much-deserved promotion to Double-A. He joined the Giants out of Cuba during the 2023 international signing cycle. Diaz received a $50,000 signing bonus.

The right-handed bat has hit at every level while often facing off against older competition. He has a .282/.332/.461 line across four minor league seasons. This includes an .860 OPS with 24 home runs, 78 RBI, and 63 runs in 401 plate appearances split across three levels in 2026. His 24 home runs lead all Giants minor leaguers.

Power is a strength in Diaz’s profile. He had posted healthy exit velocity readings for years. Diaz aims to pull the ball in the air, and can do it with regularity. That will lend itself to double-digit home run totals, which he has reached in each of the past three seasons.

Diaz is an aggressive hitter, with swing rates well above 50 percent, and makes a fair bit of contact. This has led to a healthy 17.4 percent strikeout rate, but with a 5.8 percent walk rate. His offensive value will be heavily tied to his ability to pull the ball in the air and over the fence.

The 21-year-old prospect has spent considerable time at all three outfield positions, but will likely see more time in the corners. He has a strong arm, and uses it well to limit the running game.

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