San Francisco Giants' 2017 MLB Draft Preview, Predictions

Thinking the San Francisco Giants could stand to add some young talent?

Well, it's almost time for them to do just that.

The 2017 Major League Baseball draft is due up on Monday, June 12. With the No. 19 pick and, according to MLB.com, a $6.4 million bonus pool to spread around, the Giants should do well.

For more on the state of their farm system and how they might add to it, read on.

Farm System Strength

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In recent years, the Giants' farm system has bestowed upon the club stars like Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford. Not too shabby.

But the farm has since fallen on harder times. It entered the year ranked by Baseball America as the No. 24 system in MLB. Thus continued a years-long pattern of the Giants' farm system failing to impress, which has distressing ramifications.

"[The] most stable organization in baseball enters 2017 with the realization its current window of contention is closing slowly," wrote Baseball America's J.J. Cooper.

It's not all bad. Right-hander Tyler Beede and infielder Christian Arroyo are widely rated as top-100 talents. Other intriguing prospects include outfielder Bryan Reynolds and slugger Chris Shaw.

Still, more impact talent would be nice. As for where said impact talent is needed most...

Areas of Need

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Let's begin with a disclaimer: even more so than other drafts, the MLB draft isn't about "needs."

There's too much unpredictability on the road from the draft and the majors. It usually takes several years for prospects to develop. In that time, they're liable to either fizzle out or change positions. Or be traded.

But teams can't be totally blind to faults that might be improved via the draft. And beyond an overarching need for high-end talent, the Giants do have positional needs.

Their farm system doesn't feature a long-term solution at third base. It would also be a good idea to look for an heir apparent to Buster Posey behind the dish. And since Beede is the only pitcher within the club's top seven prospects at MLB.com, more arms wouldn't hurt either.

Top Hitter Options

Image courtesy of University of Kentucky Athletics.

Although the No. 19 pick doesn't put the Giants out of reach of the draft's top players, it doesn't put them within reach either. But here are some name-brand position players they could get.

Evan White, 1B, Kentucky

Evan White is emerging as a popular target for the Giants in insider mock drafts, including at MLB.com and ESPN.com.

White has racked up a .354/.413/.522 slash line in three seasons at Kentucky. There is concern over whether he has the power for first base. But given the nature of AT&T Park, the Giants are the right team to ignore that and prioritize his excellent glove and plus hit tool.

Logan Warmoth, SS, North Carolina

Logan Warmoth is another popular Giants target in insider mock drafts, including at Baseball America. 

"While Warmoth doesn't have a standout tool, he also doesn't have any obvious shortcomings," reads the book on him at MLB.com. Sounds like a Giants sort of player, and one who could be developed to serve any number of infield roles for the big club.

Luis Campusano, C, Cross Creek High School (Georgia)

If the Giants want to draft Posey's eventual replacement, Luis Campusano is a guy they could go for. Assorted mocks link the two, and he's also Baseball America's No. 1 catcher in the draft class.

There's certainly risk involved with taking catchers out of high school. But with a plus arm and strong power, Campusano does have an intriguing profile. Plus, going at No. 19 would surely be good enough to nix his commitment to South Carolina.

Top Pitcher Options

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The mound is where the 2017 MLB draft class really shines. And while the Giants presumably don't have a shot at Hunter Greene or Kyle Wright, here are three guys they could have a shot at.

D.L. Hall, LHP, Valdosta High School (Georgia)

It's been 10 years since the Giants took a left-hander out of high school in the first round. That guy turned out OK, so perhaps it's time to try that again.

D.L. Hall could fall to them at No. 19. For both MLB.com and Baseball America, he's the second-best prep lefty in the class after MacKenzie Gore. With a plus fastball and curveball, and a strong command outlook, Hall has star potential.

Trevor Rogers, LHP, Carlsbad High School (New Mexico)

If the Giants can't get Hall, they could go for Trevor Rogers. ESPN.com's Keith Law is high on him, ranking him at No. 15 overall. He's also heard the Giants linked to him.

Hall probably has Rogers beat in stuff now. But with a 6'6" frame to grow into, Rogers should have unexplored upside ahead of him.

Clarke Schmidt, RHP, South Carolina

If the Giants can't get either Hall or Rogers, the field of pitchers they could target becomes wide open.

But in a mock last month, John Manuel of Baseball America proposed Clarke Schmidt as a possibility. That would require the Giants to take a risk on a pitcher who very recently had Tommy John surgery. But with good tools across the board, Schmidt could pay off as a high-floor starter.

Draft Predictions

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Because the baseball gods must have sacrifices, it's now time to offer up some doomed predictions.

For their No. 19 pick, it sure seems like the winds are blowing White toward the Giants. There will be no argument here. He should be available, wouldn't be a reach and is a good fit for the Giants to boot.

After that, the Giants don't pick again until No. 58. Chances are they'll go for a player who hasn't been mentioned in this space. But Campusano is a possibility to still be there, and the slot value of $1,121,300 could be enough to keep him from pursuing his commitment to South Carolina.

After that, it's anyone's guess who the Giants end up with. You better tune in.

Stats courtesy of The Baseball Cube.