Grant McCray, CF
DOB: December 7, 2000
BATS: L  /  THROWS: R
ACQUIRED: Drafted 3rd Round (#87), 2019
LAST LEVEL: Rookie
VOLATILITY: Medium

Lev
G
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
SB
CS
BB
SO
BA
OBP
SLG
OPS
2019
Giants Black
Rk
48
185
43
50
5
2
1
11
17
13
30
54
.270
.379
.335
.714
All Levels (1 Season)
48
185
43
50
5
2
1
11
17
13
30
54
.270
.379
.335
.714

See Full Stats Here

GiantFutures Ranks: #2 Center Field

Performance: As an 18-year old in the Arizona Rookie League, McCray acquitted himself pretty solidly.  He did not hit for much power, with only a 16% XBH rate, and a 24.5% strikeout rate, but he also had a solid 13.6% walk rate, which helped him take advantage of his best asset, his speed.

Unfortunately, he looked very raw on the basepaths as well, getting caught 13 times on 30 attempts, and 13 caught stealings were tops in the AZL.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Speed is McCray’s best feature, with plus speed and the ability to cover center field, followed by the arm needed to play the gaps out there.  McCray is probably the best defensive center fielder in the system.  Though he was caught stealing a lot in his pro debut, the Giants can probably teach him better baserunning techniques and turn him into a real weapon on the basepaths.

McCray likely won’t ever be a big power hitter, but he has the speed to turn doubles into triples, especially if he’s in a park like Oracle Park.  He’ll need to improve his batting average, but he showed enough of tendency to take walks in the Arizona League that he puts his speed into play on the basepaths.  The strikeouts will definitely have to come down.

2021 Outlook: McCray is almost a sure thing to be in Low-A San Jose.  McCray doesn’t rank among the top outfielders in the system yet in terms of being highly anticipated, and that might let the 3rd rounder develop at his own pace to make the Major Leagues.

Future Profile: McCray’s a natural center fielder, and he should have the ability to play out there going forward, which could carry him.  The best case scenario for him is to take his speed and become a classic speed-first center fielder, maybe batting leadoff but more likely deeper in the order.  Even if he doesn’t hit enough to start, he could have a good career as any team’s fourth outfielder, defensive replacement, and pinch running weapon.