SF Giants move undrafted outfielder up to Triple-A in early-season promotion

Turner Hill returned to Double-A for the third straight season to start the year. That proved to be a brief experiment, as the SF Giants moved him up to Triple-A, per the team's transaction log.

SF Giants move undrafted outfielder up to Triple-A in early-season promotion

In a corresponding move, multi-positional catcher Jack Payton moved up to the Richmond Flying Squirrels to take Hill's spot on the roster. Payton began the season with the Eugene Emeralds, and posted a .910 OPS with two home runs and two RBI in 31 plate appearances.

This was Payton's third stint with the Emeralds. He had a respectable .788 OPS with nine home runs and 42 RBI in 282 plate appearances with them last season. The Giants drafted the 24-year-old prospect in the 11th round of the 2023 draft out of the University of Louisville. He was originally drafted as a catcher, but has seen more time in the outfield as his career has progressed.

The Emeralds have not announced a corresponding move yet, but one could be imminent. Jacob Bresnahan's 2026 debut has been delayed to an injury, but he is expected to join Eugene soon enough, per Jesús Cano of Baseball America. Bresnahan was the California League Pitcher of the Year last year, and is viewed as the top pitching prospect in the system.

Turner Hill joined the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent his last two college seasons at Marietta College, but his named was not called during 2022 draft.

Hill was on the older side when he joined the organization, and cruised through the lower levels. In three seasons at Double-A, he has slashed .265/.368/.356 with as many walks (68) as strikeouts (68). This includes a 1.007 OPS in 41 plate appearances to began this year.

The Flying Squirrels are off to a blistering 10-1 start. Hill has played a role in that, along with a handful of other players. For the first time in a few years, Richmond has a strong lineup while averaging nearly eight runs per game.

The left-handed bat does not hit for much power, as he has only hit five home runs in his pro career. That said, he is a pesky hitter who grinds out at-bats, puts the ball in play, and sprays line drives all over the field. Plus, he can steal a few bases.

Hill has experience at all three outfield positions, and that may now be a need for the Sacramento River Cats. Drew Gilbert and Will Brennan began the year at Triple-A, but have since moved up to the major league roster.

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