Trevor McDonald, RHP
DOB: February 26, 2001
BATS: R / THROWS: R
ACQUIRED: Drafted 11th Round (#326), 2019
LAST LEVEL: Rookie
VOLATILITY: High
GiantFutures Ranks: #7 Starting Pitcher
Performance: McDonald hasn’t had many chances to show off, with just three professional games under his belt. He started them all in the Arizona Rookie League, and in four innings he collected eight strikeouts (with two walks, two hits, which lead to one run).
Strengths and Weaknesses: McDonald pushed himself onto teams’ scouting lists in 2019 as he added muscle and turned a high-80’s fastball into a 90’s fastball, and he continued growing. He’s now sitting in the low-90’s and touches 95 with the fastball. He matches it with a curveball that is developing into a plus pitch.
Beyond that, not much is known about McDonald’s repertoire, other than he’s been trying to develop a changeup. If McDonald is to remain a starter, that fastball and curve won’t be enough to fool hitters.
2021 Outlook: He probably was due for another stint in the Rookie League, but after missing 2020, and being highlight-worthy in Instructs, McDonald should end up in San Jose. His primary challenge is simple to face more competition and find consistency and strength, even if he doesn’t keep on striking out an average of two batters an inning.
Future Profile: It’s hard to project a pitcher without a long look, but the Giants clearly like McDonald. If he has the power combo of a good fastball and a woking curve, any other pitches he develops don’t need to be elite for him to be a good starter. But without those third or fourth pitches, he still has a floor as a reliever waiting for him.
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