Casey Schmitt -- Prospect Evaluation

Casey Schmitt, drafted 2nd round (#49) in 2020 by the Giants, is a right-handed hitting third baseman with medium volatility classified as prospect #2 at his position. His college performance at San Diego State showed consistency across 2019-2020, posting nearly identical slash lines in both years (.315/.415/.450 and .323/.386/.452 respectively) despite a shortened 2020 season. Strikeout rates increased from 12.7% to 18.6% in 2020, and home run production dropped from 5 to 0, though his Cape Cod League performance (5 HRs in 37 games) suggests power potential remains intact.

Defensively, Schmitt is characterized as the strongest third base prospect in the Giants system, featuring a strong arm, soft hands, and good lateral movement. His unique value proposition lies in demonstrated pitching ability: he posted a 3.75 ERA with 6 NCAA Division-I leading saves in 2020 (12 innings) and a 2.45 ERA across 11 Cape Cod League games in 2019. His pitching arsenal includes a 96 mph fastball and very good splitter, though he lacks additional offspeed offerings needed for serious two-way consideration.

For 2021, Schmitt is expected to begin at Low-A San Jose, positioned close to San Francisco for increased coaching attention. His primary focus will be developing power production in an offensively-friendly park environment. The organization may test him on the mound at times, adding an intriguing dimensional element to his development path. Mid-season promotion remains possible if he performs well.

Casey Schmitt, a San Diego native who attended San Diego State University, was selected by the San Francisco Giants with the 49th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. He gained prominence after winning Cape Cod League playoff MVP in 2019 as both a third baseman and closer. In 2021, playing for San Jose, Schmitt struggled offensively with a .247 batting average while dealing with a broken nose and a season-ending wrist injury in August. His 2022 season has shown significant improvement, with Schmitt flirting with a .300 batting average and displaying enhanced power production. The scouting evaluation describes Schmitt as a 6'2", 215-pound right-handed hitter with a quick, direct swing that lacks hitches or pauses. His stance is described as calm with a slight bat wag before a low step and plant. Recent performances include a 102 mph exit velocity home run in June 2022 during an 11-pitch at-bat. The report assesses whether Schmitt can develop into a legitimate third baseman for the Giants' future.