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1. Marco Luciano, SS

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 50/60 55/70 45 65 45/50 70

Background: The Giants landed the top middle infield prospect on the international scene two years ago, agreeing to sign the 6-foot-2, 178-pound teenager to a hefty $2.6 million pact. The young shortstop bypassed the Dominican Summer League last season and headed stateside to begin his professional career. Luciano played in 38 games in the Arizona Summer League in 2019, slugging an impressive .322/.438/.616 with nine doubles, a pair of triples, and a whopping 10 homeruns to go along with eight stolen bases in 14 total attempts. His overall production, according to Baseball Prospectus’ Deserved Runs Created Plus, topped the league average threshold by a whopping 95%. The San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic native also spent the final nine games of the year in the Northwest League, approaching the league average production line despite a depressed .212/.316/.333 triple-slash line.

Scouting Report: Consider the following:

Since 2006, only three 17-year-old hitters posted at least a 190 DRC+ in the Arizona Summer League (min. 150 PA): Mike Trout, Dorssys Paulino, and – of course – Marco Luciano.

Ignoring Luciano momentarily, that’s two players on the complete ends of the spectrum: a player who’s on pace to be the greatest in history and Paulino, who washed out of professional baseball two years ago. As for Luciano, he flashed tremendous potential as a dynamic top-of-the-lineup bat with an extreme saber-slant. He walked in nearly 15% of his plate appearances during his debut. Mix in solid contact rates, above-average speed, strong defense at an up-the-middle position, and plus- to plus-plus power potential and there’s A LOT to love about this kid. One more brief note: Luciano’s 195 DRC+ is the fifth best mark for a 17-year-old in any stateside rookie league since 2006, trailing (in order): Mike Trout, Dorssys Paulino, Juan Soto, and Luis Garcia. For those counting at home that’s: one Hall of Famer (Trout), a player who could very well wind up in the Hall of Fame (Soto), one of the best prospects in the game (Garcia, who spent the entire 2019 in Class AA as a teenager), and a bust (Paulino). Per FanGraphs, Luciano’s average exit velocity, 92 mph, last season was tied as the seventh best among all measured minor league hitters (304 total). Again, he was 17-years-old.

Ceiling: 6.5-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2022

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2. Joey Bart, C

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 55 65 30 45 55 60

Background: In the history of the modern June draft only nine catchers have been chosen with the first or second overall selection: Steve Chilcott, who was famously chosen one pick in front of Reggie Jackson, Mike Ivie, Danny Goodwin, who was selected with the top overall pick twice, Joe Mauer, Adley Rutschman, John Stearns, Tyler Houston, Ben Davis, and – of course – Joey Bart. An absolute monster at the plate during his three-year career at Georgia Tech, Bart left the ACC school as a lifetime .321/.407/.544 hitter, offering up a bevy of game-changing skills. At the time of his signing, Bart was handed the largest signing bonus for a position player – a hefty $7.025 million. The Georgia native – and a product of Buford High School – Bart’s professional career got off to a fantastic start: he slugged .294/.364/.588 with 15 doubles, three triples, and 13 homeruns in 51 games between rookie ball and the Northwest League. Last season, though, was a bit of a roller coaster for the former Yellow Jacket. He missed significant time at the start of the year due to a broken bone courtesy of a wild pitch. And his successful stint in the Arizona Fall League ended in a similar manner: an errant pitch. A 96 mph heater, from Pirates hurler Blake Cederlind, fractured his thumb. Outside of the injuries, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound backstop batted a combined .278/.328/.495 between stints with San Jose and Richmond.

Scouting Report: The overall numbers are solid, not great, until his injuries are factored into the analysis. After returning to San Jose in early June after missing nearly two months Bart struggled – unsurprisingly – at the plate; he hit a lowly .205/.271/.455 in 12 games. However, over the remainder of the regular season his slash line was an impressive .293/.337/.496. And he raised his offensive production through his limited 10-game cameo in the Arizona Fall League, slugging .333/.524/.767. Bart’s strikeout rates continue to be a nonfactor. Combine those strong contact rates with plus-power and above-average defense and Bart’s ceiling resides in the neighborhood of a perennial All-Star. The lone knock on him: his below-average walk rates, which chews into his overall ceiling. He’s like the Adam Jones the catching. Low walk rates, 30-homer power potential, 55-grade hit tool.

Ceiling: 4.5-win player

Risk: Low toModerate

MLB ETA: 2020

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3. Heliot Ramos, CF

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 50/55 50/60 50 50 45/50 60

Background: One of the youngest players in the 2017 draft class, Ramos’ youth belied his production during his debut: in 35 games in the Arizona Summer League the then-17-year-old slugged a scorching .348/.404/.645 with 11 doubles, six triples, and six homeruns to go along with 10 stolen bases. The production generated gobs of hype and hoopla. And then he crashed – hard – upon his promotion to the South Atlantic League the following season. The toolsy, albeit raw, center fielder cobbled together a disappointing .245/.313/.396 triple-slash line, though he belted out 43 extra-base hits (24 doubles, eight triples, 11 homeruns, and eight stolen bases). Then the hype faded. Despite the struggles, though, the front office correctly decided to push the former first round pick up to the California League. And, viola, recaptured magic. The 6-foot, 188-pound center fielder slugged an impressive .306/.385/.500 with 18 doubles and 13 homeruns. San Francisco bumped the then 19-year-old up to Class AA – the most challenging minor league level – and he handled himself well by batting .242/.321/.421.

Scouting Report: Consider the following:

Since 2006, here’s the list of 19-year-old hitters that posted a DRC+ between 138 and 148 in the California League (min. 300 PA): Addison Russell, Luis Urias, Hudson Potts, and Heliot Ramos.

Incredibly toolsy with a matching ceiling. Ramos has a do-everything-well type of game. The hit tool will be an above-average weapon; the power’s already average and could – conceivably – grow into a plus skill; 20-stolen base potential; and solid patience at the plate. He’s still quite raw in center field – and the metrics match that assessment – but he should be no worse than average at full maturity. The lone pockmark (still): his borderline problematic strikeout rates. He whiffed in more than a quarter of his plate appearances in High Class A.

Ceiling: 4.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2020/2021

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4. Seth Corry, LHP

FB CB CH Command Overall 55+ 60 50 40/45 60

Background: A third round pick out of Lone Peak High School in 2017, Corry battled some control demons over his first two stints in the minor leagues. As a baby-faced 18-year-old, the 6-foot-2, 195-pound southpaw walked 22 in only 24.1 innings in the Arizona Summer League. Corry followed that up by averaging 5.0 walks per nine innings between a return to the rookie league and Salem-Keizer. Last season the promising left-hander’s control continued its trend in the right direction. Appearing in full-season action for the first time in his career, Corry made 27 appearances with the Augusta GreenJackets, throwing 122.2 innings while averaging 12.6 strikeouts and a career best 4.3 walks per nine innings of work. He compiled a barely-there 1.76 ERA and a 3.32 DRA (Deserved Run Average).

Scouting Report: Consider the following:

Since 2006, only three 20-year-old pitchers have fanned at least 30% of the hitters they faced in the South Atlantic League (min. 100 IP): former All-Star Matt Moore, A.J. Alexy, and – of course – Seth Corry.

Let’s take it one step further:

NAME YEAR AGE IP DRA K% BB% Matt Moore 2009 20 123.0 3.59 33.72% 13.41% Seth Corry 2019 20 122.7 3.32 33.86% 11.42%

Not a bad comparison – at all. Corry attacks hitters with a heavy low-90s fastball; that patented hammer of a curveball, and a solid changeup. Corry’s control – not command, though – took some important strides in the second half of last season. He walked just 18 hitters over his final 68.2 innings of work. It’s a very encouraging sign that could point to better things in the future. He’s a volatile prospect because he’ll either wind up as a solid league-average starting or a solid reliever depending upon the control.

Ceiling: 3.5-win player

Risk: Moderate to High

MLB ETA: 2022

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5. Logan Webb, RHP

FB Sl CH Command Overall 60 65 45 50 50

Background: “Webb’s poised to be one of the bigger breakout prospects in 2019.” That’s what I wrote in last year’s Handbook when I – clearly – became quite smitten with the former fourth round pick. A star two-way player at Rocklin High School, Webb, who threw 38 touchdowns during his three-years on the gridiron, did make it up to the big league for eight starts. The bad news: he got popped early in the season for a performance enhancing drug – Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone. It was the same drug that Daniel Stumpf and Chris Colabello tested positive for a couple years ago. Suspended for 80 games last season; the 6-foot-2, 220-pound right-hander made stops at four different minor league levels as he pitched himself back into shape before getting the call up to The Show in mid-August. Webb finished his sixth minor league season with a 69-to-15 sthrikeout-to-walk ratio in 63.1 innings. He made an additional eight starts with the Giants, throwing 39.2 innings with 37 strikeouts and 14 walks to go along with a 5.22 ERA and a 4.17 DRA.

Scouting Report: If not for the PED suspension, Webb could have very easily been one of the more talked about rookies in 2019. The former over-slot signing shows two-plus pitches (fastball and slider), an improved changeup, and the ability to consistently throw strikes. Webb’s one of the rare pitchers that shows a distinct visible difference between his four-seam and two-seam fastballs. He uses the four-seam fastball belt high and above to challenge hitters. And his two-seamer shows incredible sink and arm-side run. The difference between the offerings is similar to a fastball and cut-fastball. His slider is lethal, one of the best in the minor leagues. His changeup, which I had graded as a 45 with a chance to develop into a 50 last year, is a clear 50 now. Assuming he’s beyond the arm issues in the past – he underwent Tommy John previously – Webb has the build and repertoire to become a #2/#3-type pitcher.

Ceiling: 3.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2022

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6. Hunter Bishop, CF

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 45 55 40 60 50 50

Background: A two-sport star and middle-of-the-lineup thumper during his tenure at Junipero Serra High School, Bishop, a well-built 6-foot-5, 210-pound outfielder, slugged an impressive .426/.512/.663 during his senior season and had a football scholarship – which he ultimately declined – to attend the University of Washington. Bishop, who’s older brother Braden was a third round pick by the Mariners in 2016, earned the distinction of playing for two state champions during his prep career: the Junipero Serra football team captured the crown in 2015 and the school’s baseball squad accomplished the feat a year later. A mainstay in the middle of Arizona State’s lineup throughout the duration of his colligate career, Bishop sported a healthy .301/.363/.484 triple-slash line with 14 extra-base hits and a handful of stolen bases during his freshman campaign, earning an All-Conference Honorable Mention along the way. He spent the ensuing summer playing for the Brewster Whitecaps in the Cape Cod League, hitting a paltry .212/.344/.308. Bishop’s numbers declined noticeably during his sophomore campaign as his production line sagged to a mediocre .250/.352/.407 to go along with a ballooning strikeout rate (30.3%). And, once again, he spent the summer playing with the Whitecaps – though his production only improved modestly; he hit .233/.369/.350 with another concerning punch out rate (30.2%). Last season Bishop transformed his approach at the plate, improving his plate discipline vastly (21.8% K-rate and 17.9% BB-rate) while bashing the competition to the tune of .342/.479/.748 with career highs in doubles (16), triples (four), homeruns (22), and stolen bases (12). San Francisco snagged the raw, talented outfielder in the opening round, 10th overall. Bishop batted .229/.438/.429 during his debut.

Scouting Report: Here’s what I wrote prior to the draft last season:

“Consider the following:

Between 2011 and 2018, only one other junior Division I hitter met the following criteria (min. 200 PA): 16% walk rate, a strikeout rate between 17% and 20%, and slugged at least .350/.450/.700. That hitter: former Florida Gator star – and the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft – Jonathan India.

Here’s how their respective junior campaigns have measured up thus far:

Player Year Age PA AVG OBP SLG BB% K% Hunter Bishop 2019 21 211 0.369 0.498 0.815 17.54% 19.43% Jonathan India 2018 21 300 0.350 0.497 0.717 20.00% 18.67%

Obviously the numbers are nearly identical with the overall production value tilting in Bishop’s direction. So let’s take a look at their work throughout their respective collegiate careers:

Player PA AVG OBP SLG BB% K% Hunter Bishop 547 0.310 0.412 0.581 12.80% 24.68% Jonathan India 815 0.310 0.411 0.530 12.88% 17.30%

Again, the numbers closely parallel each other sans the strikeout rate, which was concerning during Bishop’s early on. And that’s not the only red flag for the Sun Devil either: he’s faltered – significantly – during both of his stints in the Cape Cod, hitting a collective .223/.358/.330 in 278 total plate appearances. Bishop shows solid bat speed and enough loft in his swing to belt out 20 homeruns in a professional season. His swing-and-miss tendencies, despite the dramatic improvement, are still a bit concerning. But he should have no problems developing into a league average starting outfielder, particularly if he can stay in center field.

For the record: he fanned in nearly 27% of his plate appearances during his debut.

Ceiling: 3.0-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2022

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7. Luis Matos, CF

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 40/55 40/50 50/45 45 50 50

Background: The Giants added the toolsy center fielder to the fold during the 2018 international signing date. Matos, a native of Valera, Venezuela, earned a payday just shy of three-quarters of a million dollars. Standing 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, Matos made his professional debut with the organization’s foreign rookie league affiliate last season: in 55 games with the DSL Giants, he scorched the competition to the tune of .362/.430/.570 with 24 doubles, a pair of triples, and seven homeruns. San Francisco bumped Matos up to the stateside rookie league for five brief games; he would go 7-for-16 with a double.

Scouting Report: Like a blade quickly and quietly moving through the air, Matos’ swing looks almost effortless. Impressive bat speed and the type of lean, projectable frame that should only add layers of athleticism as he matures. Matos – basically – ran at will during his stint in the Dominican Summer League, but the thick lower half and large plodding steps has me doubting if he’ll continue to do so as he matures. There’s a chance for average or better tools across the board.

Ceiling: 2.5-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2023

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8. Alexander Canario, OF

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 45/50 50/55 45 50 45/50 50

Background: In terms of baseball signing bonuses, Canario’s $60,000 sum is a mere small pittance. But the young Dominican outfielder is quickly becoming one of the more exciting players in a developing San Francisco farm system. Measuring in at a wiry 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds, Canario turned in a solid debut in the foreign rookie league three years ago, bating .294/.391/.464 with 27 doubles, four triples, and five homeruns to go along with 18 stolen bases. His production declined a bit as the front office pushed him stateside the following year; he hit .250/.357/.403 with 13 extra-base knocks. In a bit of a surprising move the front office bounced the then-19-year-old back down to the Arizona Summer League before bumping up to the Northwest League, a more age-appropriate level. In 49 games with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Canario posted a .301/.365/.539 triple-slash line with 17 doubles, one triple, and nine homeruns. His overall production with the short-season squad topped the league average threshold by a whopping 58%.

Scouting Report: Canario’s once saber-friendly ways pulled a 180-degree turn last season. He was far more aggressive at the plate as he posted – by far – the worst strikeout and walk rate of his career with Salem-Keizer (32.4% and 8.2%, respectively). On the other hand, he began to tap into his full power potential as he lofted the ball far more frequently (his GB% was a low 27.8%) and he stopped running on the base paths.

Canario’s morphed from a one side of the spectrum to the complete opposite. He’s no longer that speedy, walk rate-driven outfielder. Instead he’s playing like a slow, plodding power-hitter with contact issues. One more quick study:

During the same time frame (2006-2019), there were forty 19-year-old hitters to whiff in at least 30% of their plate appearances in either short-season league (min. 200 PA). Of those 40, only two – Marcell Ozuna and Will Middlebrooks – turned into viable big leaguers.

Not great odds. But Canario owns loud tools that can be an impact – if he can make enough contact.

Ceiling: 2.5- to 3.0-win player

Risk: Moderate to High

MLB ETA: 2022

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9. Luis Toribio, 3B

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 40/50 40/50 35/30 60/55 50 50

Background: San Francisco signed the lefty-swinging third baseman for $300,000 as part of their haul on the international scene three years ago. The San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic native made his debut in the foreign rookie league a season later, batting a power-drive .270/.423/.479 with 13 doubles, one triple, and 10 homeruns to go along with a quartet of stolen bases. The front office brass bounced the teenage third baseman to the stateside rookie league. And Toribio responded by slugging .297/.436/.459 with 15 homeruns, three triples, and three homeruns with four stolen bases (in nine attempts). His overall production, according to Baseball Prospectus’ Deserved Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by a whopping 66%. Toribio also popped up in the Northwest League for his final three games.

Scouting Report: Consider the following:

Since 2006, only three 18-year-old hitters posted a DRC+ between 160 and 175 with a walk rate of at least 15% in the Arizona Summer League (min. 200 PA): Clint Coulter, Cedric Hunter, and Luis Toribio.

Incredibly saber-friendly. Toribio, in 51 games in the rookie league last season, sported a near one-to-one strikeout-to-walk ratio, which is nearly unheard of. Solid contact rates with power that could develop into 20-homer territory in the coming years. The lone red flag for the lefty-swinging third baseman: he looked completely helpless against fellow southpaws in 2019, hitting a lowly .133/.341/.167 in limited action. Toribio is incredibly raw, but one of the more promising bats in the Giants’ system. There’s some starting caliber potential here.

Ceiling: 2.0- to 2.5-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2022/2023

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10. Jairo Pomares, RF

Hit Power SB Patience Glove Overall 40/55 35/55 30 50 50 50

Background: Signed out of Sancti Spiritus, Cuba, for just shy of a million dollars as part of the organization’s haul on the international market two years ago. Pomares, a lefty-swinging corner outfielder, made his highly anticipated debut last season as the club pushed the teenage prospect straight into the Arizona Summer League. Appearing in 37 games in rookie ball, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Cuban slugged a Ruthian .368/.401/.542 with 10 doubles, four triples, and a trio of homeruns. He also swiped five bags in eight attempts. His overall production, as measured by Deserved Runs Created Plus, topped the league average threshold by an impressive 69%. Pomares also spent 14 – mostly disastrous – games with Salem-Keizer in the Northwest League.

Scouting Report: Consider the following:

Since 2006, only four 18-year-old hitters met the following criteria in the Arizona Summer League (min. 150 PA): a DRC+ between 165 and 175 and a sub-16% strikeout rate. Those four hitters are: Cedric Hunter, Teodoro Martinez, Yu-Cheng Chang, and – of course – Jairo Pomares. Interesting note: sans Pomares, two of the remaining three – Hunter and Chang – have popped up in the big leagues.

Big leg kick with a lightning quick bat that was touted for his power potential prior to signing with the club. Pomares has yet to fully tap into his over-the-fence pop, but showed a knack for consistently barreling up the baseball. And while his walk rates are slightly below-average, Pomares showed a solid eye at spitting on offspeed pitches under the strike zone / in the dirt. The Cuban teenage is still wiry, so his body’s likely to continue to fill out as he matures. He looked incredibly overmatched during his stint in the Northwest League, so that bears watching as well. If you’re a believer in the power potential – which, personally, I am – than there’s a starting caliber ceiling, likely more.

Ceiling: 2.0- to 2.5-win player

Risk: Moderate

MLB ETA: 2023

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Statistics provided by FanGraphs, BaseballReference, BaseballProspectus, ClayDavenport, and TheBaseballCube.