SF Giants: Final thoughts and preview of the 2020 MLB Draft

The SF Giants and the rest of the MLB are just a day away from the 2020 MLB Draft.

The SF Giants have done an excellent job of building up what was once one of the MLB’s worst farm systems just a few short years ago. And now, they’ll have the opportunity to continue bolstering their minor-league depth.

Only this year will be different than any year before.

As opposed to the traditional 40 rounds that typically make up the MLB Draft, the 2020 iteration will consist of just five. That means that every pick counts more than ever.

The Giants have the advantage of having the most picks out of any team in the draft with seven, tied with the St. Louis Cardinals. And that advantage matters more this year than in any prior draft.

But where will the Giants pick? Who might they be targeting? We take a look at a final preview of the 2020 MLB Draft.

SF Giants 2020 MLB Draft picks

Round 1 (13th overall)
Round 2 (49th overall)
Compensatory Round (67th overall)
Compensatory Round (68th overall)
Round 3 (85th overall)
Round 4 (114th overall)
Round 5 (144th overall)

The Giants will have back-to-back compensatory selections in between the second and third rounds thanks to the qualifying offers extended to both Madison Bumgarner and Will Smith.

Who are the SF Giants targeting?

While it’s always impossible to accurately predict the MLB Draft, there does appear to be a couple of prospects who keep coming up in conversations about the Giants’ draft plans.

And perhaps none more than high-school catcher prospect Tyler Soderstrom.

The Turlock, CA native is the son of former Giants first-round pick Steve Soderstrom and is arguably the top catcher prospect in this year’s class.

His versatility to play both corner infield and outfield spots means that he won’t be confined to their catcher position if the Giants choose to develop him somewhere else. And with the presence of Joey Bart, that would make a ton of sense.

Don’t be surprised if Soderstrom is the selection at No. 13 — if he lasts that long. The Chicago White Sox are reportedly another team that is showing interest and they select two spots ahead of the Giants at No. 11 overall.

Below is a list of other prospects who have recently been mocked to or connected with the Giants.

Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville
Cade Cavalli, RHP, Oklahoma
Justin Foscue, 2B, Mississippi State
Garrett Crochet, LHP, Tennessee
Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel High School (Illinois)
Jared Kelley, RHP, Refugio High School (Texas)
Mick Abel, RHP, Jesuit High School (Oregon)
Austin Hendrick, OF, West Allegheny High School (Pennsylvania)

Final notes for the SF Giants

This year’s draft class is considered to be deeper than most classes in recent memory, particularly in an area that concerns the Giants. As Giants scouting director Michael Holmes had the following to say about the true strength of the class.

"“I would say this is one of the deeper college pitching classes that there’s been over the last 10-to-12 years.”"

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The Giants have done an excellent job of revamping their farm system, but they remain relatively thin on minor-league pitching depth. After all, eight of their 10 top prospects, per MLB.com, are hitters.

The Giants could benefit from a deep pitching class and stock up on some MLB-ready pitching talent in the middle rounds of the draft.

One final note to make is how the post-draft process will unfold. Considering there are only five rounds, the mad scramble for undrafted free agents is going to be something to keep an eye on.

Some teams might steer clear of undrafted free agents altogether given financial restraints. But the Giants have made it known that they’re not going to let their budget stand in the way of signing some promising young talent.

Next. SF Giants: The 10-part documentary series everyone should want to see. dark

Seven players will be part of the Giants’ official draft class, but that will only tell part of the story when all is set and done.

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