Down on the Farm: Standout Giants Minor League Statistical Leaders

The Giants' last-place season is winding down in its last month of the season. In the minors, the results weren't much better. 

For all the Giants' minor league affiliates, the season has come to an end except in the Arizona Rookie League as the AZL Giants look to stay alive the championship Wednesday night. 

With the season over, here is who led all Giants affiliates in several statistical categories. 

Home Runs: Chris Shaw, 24

Shaw finished his outstanding 2017 campaign with two home runs in the River Cats' final game of the season, a wild walk-off win in 10 innings. The powerful lefty, who is ranked as the Giants' top hitting prospect along with Christian Arroyo, will finish the season as the franchise's top home run hitter across all affiliates, including the big league club. 

After smacking six home runs at Double-A in 37 games, Shaw upped his slugging percentage from .511 to .530 in Triple-A, hitting 18 home runs in 88 games for the River Cats. While he won't be seen in San Francisco this year, he's a name to watch for next season and all eyes will be on him at the Arizona Fall League. 

Batting Average: Bryan Reynolds, .312

Reynolds, the Giants' top pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, edged his teammate Ryan Howard (.306) in six less games. After being named an All-Star and playing in the Futures Game with a first-half slash line of .295/.340/.418 and three home runs, the switch hitter caught fire in the second half to tune of .328/.386/.506 and seven more long balls. 

A natural center fielder, Reynolds was moved all over the outfield in San Jose. He finished the season playing 50 games in center, 42 in right field and 19 in left field. 

Hits: Ryan Howard, 161

While Howard lost to Reynolds for the batting title, he still bested him in total hits. The 23-year-old's production fell a bit in the second half after a monster first half (.325/.354/.411, 86 hits in 62 games), but he still shined bright as someone seen as a non-prospect by top ranking systems.

"It reminds me of a Christian Arroyo or a Matt Duffy where he's not hitting a bunch of home runs, but he's finding ways to put balls in play," San Jose broadcaster Joe Ritzo says on Howard. "He's really hard to strikeout this year and he's just a good, hard-nosed player who does everything the right way."

Starting Pitcher ERA: Garrett Williams, 2.32

Williams first made his name as a kid in the Little League World Series where he struck out 17 batters in one game back in 2007. Now at 22 years old, he put together a solid season between the Augusta GreenJackets and San Jose Giants. After 12 games and a 2.25 ERA, Williams spent his final six in San Jose, boasting a 2.45 ERA. 

He is the Giants' No. 20 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. 

Starting Pitcher Strikeouts: Stephen Woods, 113

Woods started 23 games for the Augusta GreenJackets this season and ended with a 2.95 ERA to go with his 113 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched. It all comes down to command and Woods still struggled with that in 2017, walking 64 batters. 

The 22-year-old has the swing-and-miss stuff and is ranked as the Giants' No. 29 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Copyright CSNBY - CSN BAY
Contact Us