Top SF Giants middle infield prospect has an electric 2026 debut with Eugene

On Friday night, Gavin Kilen launched his first pro home run and did not wait long to do it again. The top SF Giants middle infield prospect hit a walk-off home run in his 2026 debut for his second long ball of the day.

Top SF Giants middle infield prospect has an electric 2026 debut with Eugene

That swing of the bat secured an 8-6 win over the Hillsboro Hops. It was an electric debut to cap off an electric win in the first game of the year.

Eugene’s roster will be an interesting one to follow in 2026. Not only is Kilen on it, but so are Dakota Jordan and Trevor Cohen. Jordan nearly won the Triple Crown Award in the California League last year, and Cohen has generated some buzz after being an unheralded player in last year’s draft.

Walker Martin also recorded two hits, including a home run, with one RBI in four at-bats. Zane Zielinski tallied three hits in four at-bats.

On the pitching side, Tyler Switalski notched eight strikeouts across 3.2 scoreless innings. The 2024 16th-round pick finished last season with Eugene, posting a 1.17 ERA in 23 innings.

The Giants drafted Gavin Kilen with the No. 13 pick out of the University of Tennessee. That began an influx of players and personnel from that school, including new Giants manager Tony Vitello. Kilen earned a $5.24 million signing bonus.

The Giants liked his blend of contact skills and plate discipline. However, he showed an uptick in power, going from nine home runs in 2024 to 15 home runs last year. This included a 1.112 OPS in 245 plate appearances.

The Giants plan to bring Kilen along as a shortstop. His arm strength and range are better suited for second base. That said, he does have consistent footwork and can make the routine plays.

Kilen only got into 10 games with the San Jose Giants before finishing the year on the injured list. He tallied eight hits in 43 at-bats. 

The Giants felt comfortable enough moving him up to High-A despite limited action at Low-A. That is often not a stretch assignment for a polished hitter like Kilen to begin his first pro season.

On Friday night, the left-handed bat rewarded that confidence. He recorded two home runs with six RBI in a thrilling victory over the Hops.