What to Expect from Giants Infielder Casey Schmitt
One of the prizes of the Giants’ 2020 MLB Draft.
Image via San Diego State Athletics
The youth movement continues for the San Francisco Giants, as former second-round pick Casey Schmitt is set to make his Major League debut for the team that selected him in the MLB Draft three years ago. Here’s a closer look at Schmitt, whose prospect value skyrocketed after a breakout campaign in the Minors last season.
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A Look at Schmitt
The San Francisco Giants selected California-born infielder Casey Schmitt in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, the same draft that netted the team former NC State star Patrick Bailey and top pitching prospect Kyle Harrison. A career. 295 hitter at San Diego State, Schmitt showed good bat-to-ball skills and a strong arm — the latter of which he used extensively as a reliever — but not much pop.
Schmitt didn’t put up eye-popping numbers (.247/.318/.406, eight home runs and 23 XBH over 64 games), but the former second-round pick did begin to round into form as a bat to watch. The 2022 campaign was a much stronger one for Schmitt, one in which he clubbed 21 home runs and 48 extra base hits across three levels. Most of his damage was done against A+ pitching with Eugene, but it was nonetheless an excellent campaign for Schmitt.
MLB.com rates Schmitt’s fielding ability as well-above-average, while his arm received a 60 grade. Both his power and contact skills graded out at 50 for the site, although a 45 is closer to where we think he’ll be at the MLB level.
A Look at the Giants
Despite the 21 home runs Schmitt hit in 2022, the 24-year-old doesn’t profile as a notable power hitter. Still, Schmitt can be a good contact at the MLB level with the ability to get on-base with his stick and play multiple positions in the infield.
The Giants need an extra infielder with Brandon Crawford on the IL. Schmitt will give the Giants just that, as he’s set to join a group that includes J.D. Davis, Brett Wisely, and David Villar, and Thairo Estrada.
Estrada had an explosive April and is currently hitting .344 (as of May 9) should be the primary shortstop with Crawford on the injured list. Schmitt, meanwhile, seems poised to take on a utility role, one that should suit him given that he played second, third, and short in the Minors. The 24-year-old should also get regular playing time, as both Villar and Wisely have gotten off to rough starts this season.
