The Giants entered camp seemingly poised to hand longtime top prospect Marco Luciano the keys to the shortstop position entering the 2024 season. With that being said, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle recently indicated that the tides could be shifting in that regard, noting that non-roster invitee Nick Ahmed has “taken the lead” in the race to be the club’s Opening Day shortstop.
Ahmed, 34 later this week, spent the past ten seasons in Arizona as a regular fixture at shortstop, earning back-to-back Gold Glove awards for his superlative defense in 2018 and 2019. He’s struggled to stay on the field in recent years, drawing just 264 trips to the plate between the past two seasons, and in that time slashed a paltry .216/.258/.332. Rough as his last two seasons were, Ahmed’s non-roster deal with the Giants came with the opportunity to earn a regular role in San Francisco, and the veteran has made the most of that opportunity by slashing an incredible .556/.667/1.222 in his 12 trips to the plate this spring without recording a strikeout across his four appearances.
Luciano, by contrast, has hit a paltry .071/.188/.071 in six games this spring, striking out in 56.3% of his plate appearances without recording an extra-base hit. While numbers during Spring Training must be taken with a grain of salt for a number of reasons and it’s worth noting that Luciano was slowed by a hamstring issue early in camp, it would nonetheless be understandable if the Giants felt that Luciano’s weak results this spring indicated that the 22-year-old needs more development time at the Triple-A level. Luciano made his big league debut with San Francisco last year but struggled at the plate in his cup of coffee, hitting just .231/.333/.308 with a 37.8% strikeout rate in 45 trips to the plate.
More from around the NL West…
- Padres star Manny Machado is a “pretty safe” bet to be limited to DH duties during the Korea Series in Seoul later this month, manager Mike Shildt recently told reporters (including Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune). Machado underwent elbow surgery back in October and is coming off a relative down season by his standards, having slashed “just” .258/.319/.462 with a wRC+ of 114, a step down from the 140 wRC+ he posted across the previous three seasons. With Machado likely restricted to DH at-bats to open the season, the Padres appear likely to rely on a utility fielder like Matthew Batten or Eguy Rosario at the hot corner to open the season.
- Sticking with the Padres, Acee also reports that right-hander Glenn Otto, who the club claimed off waivers from the Rangers back in September, came out of the offseason likely to compete for a spot in the club’s rotation this spring but has been sidelined during camp by a teres major strain. Acee notes that he’s “progressing” toward a return to the mound but does not elaborate on what the righty’s timetable for return is. Otto, who will celebrate his 28th birthday tomorrow, was a fixture of the Rangers rotation back in 2022 with a 4.64 ERA in 27 starts but has generally struggled in the majors with a career 5.62 ERA and a walk rate north of 10%.
- While Dodgers right-hander Blake Treinen left yesterday’s game after being struck in the torso by a comebacker, manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez) that the veteran had avoided a major injury from the incident. Treinen was diagnosed with a bruised lung, which Roberts added should be healed within three to five days. That leaves Treinen likely to be available for Opening Day as a veteran option for the L.A. bullpen alongside the likes of Ryan Brasier and Daniel Hudson. Treinen has spent almost all of the past two seasons on the sidelines but owns a career 2.86 ERA and posted a 1.99 figure as recently as the 2021 season.
- Sticking with the Dodgers, The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya notes that right-hander Brusdar Graterol will not be joining the Dodgers for the Korea Series in Seoul later this month, as he’s been sidelined much of the spring by hip tightness and shoulder soreness, though Graterol downplayed the latter issue to reporters recently. Graterol added in conversation with reporters (including Ardaya) that he figures to resume throwing on Tuesday and hopes to be ready to join the Dodgers in time for their stateside opener against the Cardinals on March 28. Graterol was one of the club’s most effective relievers last season, pitching to a sensational 1.20 ERA in 68 appearances.
Ahmed has taken the lead in 12 trips to the plate? I like a good competition but in baseball it really doesn’t work out that well in small samples (spring numbers), especially in this ridiculous 12 ab sample size
Spring numbers do not matter, every manager knows that. They are making an evaluation on the player(s) entire body of work.
Marco is still extremely raw, last year was his first taste of anything above high a, and he’s been a notoriously slow starter at every level.
I see this as them saying he looks over matched in spring so far. I think they should hand him the him the reigns until the end of June, then see where he’s at. He can’t be any worse than craw was last year
I don’t think it’s his trips to the plate, honestly. From what I’ve heard and read, there’s a question as to whether Luciano will remain at SS because of his defense. By contrast, Ahmed is an excellent MLB-level SS.
Yeah, that makes sense completely. I was just thinking along with what the article stated. I know little of Luciano.
Early on that was in question, but Marco has looked more and more capable at short. That’s been reported by multiple scouts, and he looked decent in his cup of coffee last year.
Ahmed can’t hit, they need to find out if Luciano can
Teams are sometimes more hesitant to hand the reins over to a prospect at SS unless they are really good defenders. I agree tho…let him play.
Having Chapman at third helps him adjust in defense immensely, I thought that would have given the giants confidence to let him ride out the lumps
SFV writers doing their thing. No club decision has been made with three weeks of ST left.
I have an honest question, what makes this guy such a good prospect? His numbers have not been very impressive and his defense ranks poorly.
Watch him play, he’s got elite bat speed. The ball pops off his bat, and he’s been extremely young at every level he’s been. The poor defense is old, most scouts say he’s trending towards average at short. He’s been held back by back problems recently. He’s slow to acclimate to every new level, but was pushed hard. After initial struggle last year, he was real good at AA and AAA. He’s still only 22 years old
Sorry for the long response
He has power potential, quick bat, and high exit velocity. Signed at 16. Projected to be a 25-30 HR guy. May be able to handle SS initially, but most scouts expect a move to 3B or RF sooner than later.
I don’t see it in his stats. Granted, I’ve never seen him play and stats have to be taken with a grain of salt but it seems really aggressive to rank him in the top 50 when he’s still more tools over polish in addition to the fact he isn’t all that toolsy.
Never seen him play, but has an opinion about how good he can be. Seems about right
Gets defensive, seems about right.
Electric bat speed? Okay? We’ve seen some many guys with amazing bat speed fail. Where is his results? What does his results say? Good power at the expense of a 40% strike out rate? Javy Baez without the defense and base running?
Who was defensive? I literally said he could be a bust, but he isn’t yet. People asked what makes him an elite prospect, I answered. If you want to be an ignorant troll then move on. His results “does” say he’s still extremely young, maybe try reading up. You do realize baez has been worth 30 war right? Where was it said Marco can’t run or field? Stop being ignorant
“How dare you disagree with me! You’re a troll!!” – TLC
“Try reading up” but complains about reading stats
“Try reading up” 45 run/45 field
“Try reading up” “Baez has a 30 WAR” Baez at least was an elite defender and an excellent base runner
I simply asked what made him elite, you said bat speed, I don’t question his bat speed but I don’t see bat speed as being enough to justify the hype when it’s not back by any numbers. Just because I’m disagreeing with you doesn’t mean you have to pout and call me an “ignorant troll”. Maybe this dude will figure it out, maybe he will be like Christopher Morel, or maybe he will be like Patrick Wisdom or maybe he ends up like Mr elite bat speed Clint Frazier
You don’t say? You should apply for a writers position on this site so you can contribute to the “expert opinions” section
Hey can you explain to me what RC+ indicates?
The fact you cannot sense sarcasm shows you are clueless.
I guess you think you’re some kind of baseball savant and everyone else is clueless.
Btw captain, off the top of my head (or gut) it’s 66% of top 100 position players that don’t pan out. (Insert jingle) “the more you knooowww”. Knowing is half the battle, GI Joe said that.
In case there is any question, NOW I’m being a jerk. Before I was asking a question directed to hardcore Giant fans who probably have seen him play and read more than just a top 100 write up.
Of a prospect.
Ok, let me fix it for you so you sound less ignorant:
You are the one who takes the opinion of an over weight old dude as your gospel.
I’m sure you are personally an expert about “over weight” dudes as well.
Lastly, your reading comprehension is garbage, but, given your so ability to structure a sentence, that doesn’t surprise me.
Now go upstairs and tell your mom some guy was mean to you on the internet. She will give you a hug, call you “her special little boy” and make it all better.
Actually I have antisocial personality disorder and Asperger’s so I don’t take anything personally, let alone a comment by someone online.
They have said that since he was signed but he was fine defensively last year, it is more about the strikeout number. If he is sent down it is too learn plate discipline
Yea but Luciano obviously has struggled at the higher level. No HR or RBIS in 3 years of ST and even his small sample last year. Giants need to score runs and Luciano isn’t the answer at the moment
The fact that you’re judging off of ST and his week in the big leagues is hilarious. He barely got his feet wet last year, and ST is glorified batting practice
He’s struggling against weak pitching in spring training again lol. Strikeout rate is ridiculous. His D isn’t even that good. Fangraphs project him to put up a 1 war in 24. Which would be absolutely terrible. No speed, avg D, low contact, can’t hit off speed pitches= overrated prospect
Really? Your argument is based off of some website projection/guess? What a weak argument!
Luciano is in no way ready to face Major League pitching on a nightly bases and would be best suited getting regular reps at AAA, the kid looks overmatched and putting him in the lineup to fail will not do well for his development.
Ahmed is a proven veteran contributer that can carry the position until Luciano is ready
The only issue when it comes to sending him to AAA is that with the pcl as a hitters league, guys often have an acclimation issue. Funny enough guys succeed better as hitters skipping AAA in the org pitching on the other hand, if they do well in AAA it is comparable to big league numbers. He may need to go down but I do think he’ll experience acclimation coming back up.
At this point he needs to improve on simply making contact. Forget about Home Runs, just learn to put the bat on the ball
Three run Home Runs are hard to come by if you can’t make contact at all
Shouldn’t be allowed to post a slash line from 12 plate appearances. In spring training. Come on, be better than that
20 actually. He even struggled in Dominican winter league. Hasn’t shown anything promising at the plate against descent pitching. He was good in A ball I can say that.
Padres are going to have to shock the world this year. Even a .500 finish would be admirable.
Shock the world? All they need to do is play quality ball and have the injury bug avoid key players.
They also need a left fielder. Plan seems to be to dumpster dive at the end of spring training, with Profar playing left in Korea.
Always funny to read one of your posts. How many different teams’ websites have you posted this unrelated comment? A couple? All of them? Or are the Giants just lucky?
Sparky, you sir have just defined a troll, in my book. I equate that serial posting to walking a dog and every time he does his business he kicks his rear legs back to let the next 4-legger know he’s been here. Much like Mr. Cut & Paste.
The Padres lack a:
Dh
Lf
Questions at cf
An experiment at 1st
Veteran leadership off the bench
Yes, I like the rotation but adding one more vet wouldn’t hurt.
Here’s the thing…if this team were ready for the season, there would be an excitement surrounding the team.
Payroll was reduced by over 100 million dollars and not reinvested in the team.
There are still holes all over the roster.
Do I support the team and Preller yes, but the team has been handcuffed by ownership.
Hate to be blunt, but stick to watching the Clippers, towinagain.
‘Whiner’ is a generic as it gets.
Discontentment over moves still needing to be made is not whining its simply voicing concern.
The Padres need veteran help.
Ah, for sure take a cue from the Clippers as to how to construct a roster.
But, yes the rotation could be really good, even as constructed.
So why waste a good rotation with a lack of offense?
Why lose a myriad of one run games by a good to excellent rotation and sneaky bullpen when you can be on the winning side?
And, this is a post with Padres content so yes discussing the Padres on this post is perfectly acceptable.
Cheerlead when cheerlading is appropriate and criticize when criticism is merited.
Shilling for an ownership group that cut payroll by over 100 million dollars.
And all of those things sadly could have been fixed with players even on minor league contracts.
Brad Miller will likely see a lot of DH AB’s against righties if he cracks the roster and unfortunately Profar was probably always going to be the Left Fielder, at least until one of the kids are ready. CF is going to be a revolving door this season
You forgot they have too many whiners in their fan base.
Okay, so why are you here talking about it? What you’re saying has nothing to do with the article/Giants and nobody asked or cares. If you want to cry about your frustrations, go to a padre site. SD has has added a lot more than SF, but it’s obviously not good enough for you.
Use proper diction please.
I swear these AI generated responses are comical.
The above article refers to Machado and the Padres but I assume you failed to read the entire article.
‘Whiners’ is a juvenile response.
Let’s engage in a factual discourse.
Spoiled? Because I want my team to win haha.
Ahmed over Crawford? Doesn’t seem worth it.
Ahmed would cost how much vs Crawford.
Crawford is getting paid 2 mil. We don’t know the financials of Ahmed’s contract but he would at least be paid league minimum which is around 775k I think. Honestly, I would bet that Ahmed would make 2 million as well if he makes the majors.
Crawford signed for $2MM guaranteed
Ahmed would get $720k
So the difference is $1.28 MM
Of course there is a distaste for seeing Crawford play in a different uniform which cannot be mesures in dollars. In Karma points maybe
Crawford wanted more than the minor league deal the Giants swung with Ahmed.
The reason is that you can’t end Crawford’s career with a DFA or a waiver claim. Ahmed will stick around as long as he is productive and if not there are no commitments and you can kick him to the curb without enraging the fanbase
56% strikeouts is an indicator. Spring training or not, especially based on Luciano’s strikeout rate last season. Not making any contact to speak of. Ahmed hasn’t struck out yet. I don’t put too much stock in the spring stats either unless they’re glaring. Would be a little different if Luciano was a defensive whiz but he isn’t.
Spring training or not, striking out in 50%+ of your at bats will get noticed and is probably an indication you may not yet be ready.
Interesting trade Orioles made with Dodgers for 66 games of Machado. Five players, only Kremer has been particularly useful, Machado is going to be one of those interesting FA deals to watch. Five years, good value: 2nd and 3rd in MVP voting, aggregate 20.5BWAR. Unless there’s a personal issue or a complete collapse, probably HOF. But Padres own Machado a lot of money–through 2033.
You usually don’t get back much by trading a rental mid-season, especially one determined to be a free agent. Machado, Mookie, etc. The Yankees struck gold with Gleyber when they traded Chapman to the Cubs.
Really wouldn’t mind Ahmed forcing his way into the position. A full year of AAA for both Luciano & Schmitt might get their offense going. Fitzgerald to the utility role & let’s go !
Fitzgerald may need a year at aaa too. The river cats might be pretty good this year.
if Luciano and Schmitt are in Sac, Fitz will be in SF
nah, Otto Lopez gonna take the utility role to see if he sticks, Farhan style, and to give all the young guys AB’s in triple A..
Lopez has a skillet for a glove.
Spring training stats mean absolutely nothing. Approach, health & working on new stuff matters, but results just don’t matter. First, many of the pitchers won’t even be with a major league club. And, it’s such a small sample size.
I’m on Ahmed to start the season at SS. Sounds like they want their best defence behind the young pitching.
Rosario and Batten are both possible 3B options while Manny DHs, But so is Graham Pauley.
That sounds awful
Batten had a .355 OBP in 139 PA’s with SD last year and is fine defensively. Rosario is the definition of a guy who needs to get a big league shot to see what you have, and who I personally like more than Batten. Pauley has more upside then the others with the bat.
So no, not the end of the world if that trio has to cover 3b in Mar/April.
In fact they (Batten/Rosario) were covering 3b most of September while the team was playing their best ball.
Ahmed’s glove was gold but his bat is a wet newspaper with holes in it.
Better than a bat like a pitcher and defense sub par
If Luciano becomes a great major-leaguer, it will be as an outfielder. SS is not his future position
The kid is 21 with 1000 minor league ABs. A bit soon to make that prediction. The fact that he’s in ST competing for a starting job speaks of his talents.
Moved up to quick is what is hurting him. Plus the Giants don’t really have any other good SS prospects. Artega isn’t much of a talent behind Luciano.
Can we talk about Trevor Bauer Baby?
What that no team wants him? Lol
Luciano with throwing errors,looks terrible at the plate. Not ready unless he picks it up. Ahmed looks supi.
Okay I’m gonna take the knock on this since “It’s Luciano Time Baby.”
Coaching staff has raved about his developmental progress playing short stop through the years with often remarks being suggested he’d stick at the position. I believe that’s beyond a little optimistic, think he ends up in right with arm.
The point is He’s Hurt right now, trying to prove a point and getting a ton of slack he shouldn’t be.
Nick Ahmed is a bat out of hell fighting for that job vs a flailing fish. That not to say Ahmed’s goes to be elite in SF, I’d say hardly the case, but Luciano isn’t a chum bucket either. Just a guy down on his luck. He’s a basically a 5 time top 50 consensus prospect across the board and even that number is high.
He’s constantly battled health throughout his career and I think when that’s fully addressed and taken care of he can actually be the elite player he’s going to be. SF has already taken this into consideration though. He’s got 6 games and 46 innings already.
If they wanted to close the door on this Ahmed ain’t the guy he’s a stop gap at best just keeping the seat warm.
Marco must put on a heck of a batting practice. His minor league numbers, his winter league numbers? All suggest a LOW obs slugger