4 REASONS FOR HOPE
With the present still looking bleak, Giants fans are wise to stay closely tuned to minor league footage of these young players who could be stars-in-the-making.
On the heels of three consecutive losing seasons, the Giants aren’t just searching for wins. They’re looking for hope. Thanks to strong draft and international freeagent classes in recent years, the lowest levels of the Giants farm system are now loaded with potential major league contributors. Despite the organization’s struggle to draft and develop high-impact contributors since its last World Series title, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi and farm director Kyle Haines believe it’s only a matter of time before the next crop of homegrown stars are playing at Oracle Park.
At a time when the rebuilding Giants are focused on player development in the major leagues, the most promising prospects should soon have their chance to shine. We looked at the top players in the Giants’ farm system and provided an ETA of when fans can expect to see them wearing orange and black.
JOEY BART , C
Ht/wt: 6’3 / 220
Bats/throws: R-R
Age: 23
ETA: Mid-2020
When the Giants were on the clock with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, there was little doubt the organization was going to choose Bart. A polished two-way catching prospect out of Georgia Tech, Bart has been billed as the future of the franchise and the successor behind the plate to Buster Posey thanks to his advanced hit tool and an underrated defensive profile. “I love throwing to Joey,” pitcher Sean Hjelle said. “He shoots me straight. He’s not going to come out for a mound visit and make me feel good about myself. If I’m not throwing well, he’s going to tell me and then we’re going to go over the plan and figure out how to change it.” Bart’s first full season in the minor leagues was marred by a hand fracture that required surgery, but the Giants believe time off from baseball gave the catcher a fresh perspective and an even greater appreciation for the game. “I think we might look back someday and think that maybe the early-season injury ended up being a blessing for him,” Haines said. “I think it gave him a new start, after the emotions of big league camp and going into the season, I know it kind of helped him re-set mentally.” Bart’s power will make him a middle-of-the-order bat upon his arrival in the big leagues, but the Giants aren’t yet concerned with finding him a secondary position to learn. After watching the way Posey’s power numbers declined over his career, the organization will be more cautious about resting Bart early in his career, but he’s still a plus-defender at the catcher position and the Giants want to take advantage of those talents. “From a physical standpoint, he’s got all of the tools,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “He can drive the baseball to any part of the field. He’s got really, really strong hands and when he’s behind the plate, you’ll notice the ball just stop.”
SEAN HJELLE, RHP
Ht/wt: 6’11 / 225
Bats/throws: R-R
Age: 22
ETA: End of 2020, early 2021
The massive righty spent the spring in big league camp and made an impression with his poise, work ethic and command. His unique arm angle isn’t the only reason the Giants are excited about his potential. “People always loop him in as a command guy, but they forget he throws 95 miles per hour,” Haines said. “He’s got a good breaking ball and I think he’s definitely a guy that’s under the radar and you’re going to look up and he’s going to have a very nice, long major league career.” Hjelle will likely begin the year in the Double-a Richmond rotation and has a chance to break into the big leagues by September.
HELIOT RAMOS, CF
Ht/wt: 6’1 / 188
Bats/throws: R-R
Age: 20
ETA: End of 2020, early 2021
Ramos, 20, isn’t a teenager anymore, but when he made his Double-a debut at 19 last August, he was the youngest player in the league. The Giants are thrilled with the young center fielder’s development and believe he’s only scratching the surface with the power he’s displayed thus far. “That kid is very special. I wouldn’t say that about a lot of guys,” Bart said. “If I see a guy that’s really good, it really opens my eyes.” Don’t be fooled, though. Ramos is more than just an all-or-nothing slugger. “The power is just something that stands out as being different compared to most kids his age in center field,” Haines said. “But he can do a little bit of everything. He has a chance to be a very nice, well-rounded player.”
MARCO LUCIANO, SS
Ht/wt: 6’2 / 178
Throws/bats: R-R
Age: 18
ETA: 2022
Luciano might turn out to be the best prospect in the Giants’ farm system. The Dominican Republic native was the last big signing for former general manager Bobby Evans and his presence has been a gift to an organization that believes he could be a generational talent. While most organizations are reluctant to bring international signees stateside so early in their careers, Luciano made the decision easy on the Giants with his performance in spring camp last season. “His development in the second half was great,” Haines said. “We’re just hopeful he realizes if he keeps growing the way he grew last year and keep doing that for a few years, he’s going to be in a good spot by the time he’s 20, 21 years old.”