SF Giants outfield prospect's desire to continuously improve is paying huge dividends

SF Giants outfield prospect Carlos Gutierrez was signed out of Mexico during the 2023 international free agency class. Rayner Arias headlined that group, but Gutierrez's desire to get better every day has catapulted him up the organizational prospect rankings while being one of the best hitters in the California League.

SF Giants outfield prospect's desire to continuously improve is paying huge dividends

Giants senior director of international scouting Joe Salermo was among the personnel to scout Gutierrez before he signed. The Giants liked his ability to run the bases, work the count, make contact, and use the entire field.

Gutierrez was with his friends and family when he signed his contract with the Giants. His family does not get to watch him play in person, but they do talk on the phone each day. Being away from his family is tough, but that habit has made the adjustment easier.

If you have not watched the 20-year-old outfield prospect play for the San Jose Giants yet, he plays with a lot of energy. Plus, he has a likable personality and infectious energy.

Gutierrez played in the Dominican Summer League in 2023, but appeared in only three games last in the Arizona Complex League last season after sustaining an injury.

The left-handed bat only had 103 plate appearances as a pro before this year. Essentially, going from that to full-season ball is a huge jump in competition, but you would not know that with how he has performed.

Gutierrez is slashing .357/.450/.464 (158 wRC+) with two home runs, 25 RBI, and 50 runs in 245 plate appearances. This includes 23 steals in 26 opportunities. Gutierrez not only has been setting the table for the San Jose Giants, but his .357 batting average leads the California League at the moment. He also has nearly as many walks (31) as strikeouts (34).

What has been the key to his success? "Consistency, work ethic, patience, and preparation," Gutierrez said in an interview with Around the Foghorn. "I want to get better every day, and give 100 percent effort," Gutierrez said.

The young outfielder believes that his pre-game routine has helped him thrive in the California League. He listens to corridos tumbados, which is a Mexican genre of music that is often characterized by its slow tempo and calming lyrics. Gutierrez uses this time to envision himself having success on the field, hoping to inspire good production once the game starts. That pre-game routine seems to be working.

Gutierrez has performed well enough to earn a promotion, but the Giants have been relatively conservative with prospect movements. If he continues to hit, he will make it up to the Eugene Emeralds soon enough.

In the meantime, Gutierrez hopes to steal 40 bases this year, and he is already more than half way to that mark. While the 2025 season has been a success, Gutierrez believes he still has plenty of room to improve. "Keep trying to have success, stick in center field, add more power, and hit a few extra home runs," Gutierrez said.