NEWSLETTER
The San Francisco Giants are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 13th overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the San Francisco Giants in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
The San Francisco Giants own the 13th overall selection in the 2024 MLB Draft. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel has the Giants finding some luck in next month’s draft, landing Wake Forest first baseman Nick Kurtz, a top-ten talent who I’ve seen mocked as high as No. 4 to the Oakland Athletics.
“The Giants are the tail end of this trio of teams hoping some players that belong in the top 10 on talent will fall because of luck or other teams going on underslot ventures. Kurtz has a real chance to go No. 4 overall, then has some interest in the late top 10 and otherwise will settle in this trio of opportunistic teams. Caminiti and Yesavage are real options here, and the Giants like Billy Amick, though he likely lasts a bit longer. It’s unclear which of the second cut of college bats (Christian Moore, Tibbs, Seaver King, etc.) are at the top of the Giants’ list.”
Kurtz excels at hitting to all fields due to his exceptional bat speed, strength, and left-handed swing. He is a well-rounded batter with no discernible weaknesses, dominating against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. He controls the strike zone, covers the entire plate, and hits the ball hard all around the ballpark.
Additionally, he plays quality first base with average arm strength. His only drawbacks are his below-average speed, which is not a major concern given his position and offensive potential, and a history of injuries, including a fractured rib in the 2023 College World Series. If he fulfills his potential, he could become a player similar to Jim Thome with defensive value.
If MLB Pipeline’s No. 4 prospect slides to 13 for San Francisco, that would be a no-brainer selection. However, the fellas at MLB.com don’t see that happening. Instead, they have the Giants taking prep southpaw Cam Caminiti out of Saguaro High School in Arizona. Here’s what Jonathan Mayo had to say about the hypothetical selection:
“I don’t know that I have heard a stronger connection than Cam Caminiti and the Giants. Now a lot of times that ends up being smoke and mirrors and they may not be, but the amount of other teams who have told me, ‘Oh, Caminiti won’t get past the Giants.’ So, in this case, I’m not having him get past the Giants.”
The Athletic’s Keith Law agrees with that selection in his most recent mock draft from last week:
“I’ve heard this a bunch this spring, but I also wonder if someone slides a little — Rainer, Griffin, maybe Montgomery — if they’d go that direction instead, or if they’re one of the teams jumping on Christian Moore because of his metrics.”
Caminiti has the potential to develop four strong pitches. His fastball can reach 98 mph and sits at 93-95 mph with good control. He has shown improvement in his curve, slider, and changeup. His athleticism in center field contributes to his pitching ability. There is confidence in his potential to be a consistent pitcher. He is committed to LSU and has the chance to be the first Arizona prep pitcher taken in the first round since 2018.
