And here we at second base.  Another hard position to project, since it’s often a place where prospects end up that didn’t start at the position.  What is it about the right side of the infield?  At least for second base, it’s usually just ex-shortstops.

For the Giants, I’ve got three of those players who are all currently playing shortstop that I’ve got aimed at second base.  For two of them, it’s just a general prediction based on scout’s takes and their general perceived athleticism.  For one, it’s a player who I think has a future in utility, but would be best at second base.

But for all of them, it’s because the shortstop list has three players who are legitimate defensive prospects at shortstop.  Some may not have the offense to outhit the guys at the top of this second base list, but all can play the position very well.  That premium sets them aside.

Here at second base, there’s a little more offense to be had.

So, without further ado, the top Giants Second Base Prospects for 2021!

#1 – Will Wilson

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This one probably isn’t a surprise.  The Giants basically bought Will Wilson, a first round draft pick, from the Angels for the price of Zack Cozart’s contract after the 2019 season.  Cozart was in the final year of his contract, scheduled to make $12.67 million, and the Giants said they’d pay it for Will Wilson, and the Angels said yes.  Wilson was reportedly being considered at the #10 overall spot where the Giants picked Hunter Bishop, but the two prospects are pretty different.

Wilson is pretty much average-to-above average in every tool, but no tool really stands out.  As opposed to the high ceiling that a player like Bishop has, Wilson has a high floor.  Unfortunately, two of his lesser tools, his speed and arm, are the reason that the current shortstop is projected as a second baseman by most.  But he’s got good contact skills, and MLB Pipeline projects him as a 20-home run hitter.  That is pretty good offense to get out of a second baseman.

#2 – Jimmy Glowenke

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And, that brings us to one of the Giants’ compensatory picks in the 2020 draft.  Glowenke’s profile sounds pretty similar to Wilson’s, if just a tad lower on the ceiling.  He’s a contact-oriented hitter who gets on base, he’s got gap power, and should be good for double-digit home runs as a Major Leaguer if all goes right.  He has good hands, but not quite the range or arm to stick at shortstop.

Of course, it’s really hard to judge with Glowenke, with no pro games and only DH time in his final year of college.  With Wilson ahead of him, it may be hard for Glowenke to get opportunities to stand out, but he gives the Giants depth to work with.

#3 – Simon Whiteman

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And now for someone completely different.  Whiteman came out of Yale with great stats, albeit in the Ivy League.  But he comes with absolutely no power, literally a total of four home runs in college over four seasons.  Instead, Whiteman was rated as the fastest baserunner in the Giants system in 2020 by Baseball America, and while he only stole 31 in 69 games (at a 74% success rate), that tool helps him stand out.

Whiteman’s lack of power means he doesn’t profile well as a starter.  But he’s a very intelligent player with speed, and although his contact skills aren’t as strong as the others in this list, he draws a lot of walks to supplement his speed.  He’ll have versatility on defense, and his future is probably has a utility player and baserunning specialist.  But if he gets his bat up enough to profile as a starter, it’ll be at second base.

Other Names To Know

Again, there’s not a ton of further depth, if only because the other names to know are really the shortstops who might move over.  Jalen Miller would have been the name to follow up this list, but the Giants lost him in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft, not too long after he had some real buzz around him.

It would be worth noting two names mentioned in other lists.  Brett Auerbach, the undrafted free agent signing after the 2020 draft, was mentioned among the catchers, but he also plays at second base, third base, and the outfield (even center field), but if a scrappy undersized (5’9”) players gets a chance anywhere, it’d be at second base.  Also, Sean Roby is primarily a corner infielder, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants just want to know how he feels at second base, just in case, you know, versatility.

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