Kyle Harrison, Casey Schmitt and R.J. Dabovich, three prospects with a chance to make significant big-league contributions for the Giants in 2023, highlight a class of 37 non-roster invite to big-league camp.
Harrison, regarded as top left-handed pitching prospect in baseball, is almost a surefire bet to join the Giants at some point during the season, potentially early in the year. Despite a dearth of starting pitching depth — Logan Webb, Alex Cobb, Ross Stripling, Alex Wood, Sean Manaea, Anthony DeSclafani and Jakob Junis are on the 26-man roster — more dominant performance from Harrison could make his big-league promotion undeniable.
Last year, Harrison, 21, tore through High-A ball and reached Double-A, where he posted a 3.11 ERA and struck out 13.6 batters per nine innings. He’ll likely start with the Triple-A River Cats.
Schmitt, meanwhile, has emerged as probably the best fielding prospect in the Giants’ system. His main position is third base, and he also handled his own at shortstop when Marco Luciano got injured last year. The 23-year-old has drawn comparisons to Matt Chapman and finished last year in Sacramento, meaning he’s one step away from the bigs.
Like in the rotation, the Giants should have strong big-league options at third base with David Villar, Wilmer Flores and J.D. Davis. But a prospect as heralded as Schmitt likely wouldn’t be easily blocked.
Dabovich’s fastball touches the upper 90s and he’s considered one of San Francisco’s top relief prospects. The Giants retooled their bullpen by bringing in Taylor Rogers and Luke Jackson, but Jackson (Tommy John surgery) may start the year on the injured list and relievers with options are always valuable.
Vaun Brown will be another intriguing prospect to watch. The 24-year-old has just one game of Double A competition to his name, but he stole 21 bags and posted a 1.065 OPS in 43 games for the High-A Eugene Emeralds last year. His invitation to big-league camp speaks to how the organization regards him.
Other notable non-roster invites include recent signees Stephen Piscotty, Roberto Pérez and Joe Ross. Ronald Gúzman, another minor league signing, is labeled as a two-way player; he has played 246 MLB games as a first baseman and left fielder but has been working to convert to pitching this winter.
Shortstop Marco Luciano and outfielder Luis Matos, two of San Francisco’s other blue-chip prospects, will also be with the MLB club in spring training because they were selected to SF’s 40-man roster.