The Giants had moved up from 12th to 4th in the draft lottery, giving Colin Stewart back to back top ten draft picks for the first time in his career. That did become the 5th pick once the Red Sox got their compensatory pick but still a great chance add another quality player to the farm.
With another high pick, Stewart was looking for a college aged player who can help the team soon. Stewart’s first choice was SS Johnny Williamson, but the Red Sox took him with the first of their back-to-back picks. That left the next best player available as another SP and, despite having invested heavily in pitching in International Amateurs and the draft last year, Stewart didn’t shy away from taking the best available player. That was SP Jahsiiyah Garza, a 21-year old out of Middle Tennessee State University. High stamina goes with potential above average stuff, plus movement and above average control. Garza is unlikely to be having his number retired at any point but is relatively close to providing the Giants with quality innings.
The Giants were very college player heavy in the 2053, with 13 of their 20 picks coming from the college ranks, including all of their first six selections. All of these players will start in A ball to gain the opportunity for more development this season.
Round 2, Pick 15 - SS Juan Mendoza, age 21 out of college (Dallas Baptist University; Dallas, TX)
Round 3, Pick 12 - SP Amari Pappillion, age 21 out of college (Birmingham-Southern College; Birmingham, AL)
Round 4, Pick 12 - SS Mike Lloyd, age 21 out of college (Valparaiso University; Valparaiso, IN)
Round 5, Pick 13 - CF Juan Severiano, age 21 out of college (Oklahoma State University; Stillwater, OK)
The Giants signed all 20 of their picks, with both 9th round pick 3B Jared McGuigan and 11th round pick SS Jorge Revuelta demanding signing bonuses. The Giants were able to offer them $650k each as the clearing of salary has given plenty of financial freedom.
