Giants Sign Prospect Javier Alexander Francisco

The Giants have signed shortstop Javier Alexander Francisco, a prospect from the Dominican Republic, as @GiantsProspects first reported (Twitter link; hat tip to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle). The value of the bonus is unknown at this time.

Shea notes that the 16-year-old has been working with former big leaguer Fernando Tatis Sr., who compares Francisco to his son, Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. This comparison seems at least somewhat suspect, given the timing of this agreement. Many well-regarded international prospects have handshake deals worked out in advanced of their eligibility and then sign on the dotted line as soon as the signing period begins each year on July 2. Tatis Jr., for instance, signed with the White Sox on July 2, 2015, receiving a bonus of $700K. If Francisco is indeed at that skill level, he could have theoretically received a larger bonus by waiting another few months until teams would have their bonus pools reset to their full amounts.

Regardless of how Francisco develops personally, this move is consistent with a larger push in the Giants organization to focus on improving their farm system. Since Farhan Zaidi became the president of baseball operations in November of 2018, there has been a greater emphasis on upgrading the talent pipeline that flows into the major league club. Baseball America recently ranked the Giants farm system as the 14th best in the majors, after it checked in at 28th going into the 2019 season.