WATCH: SF Giants INF Casey Schmitt homers for first-career MLB hit
The SF Giants surprised many on Tuesday when they called up infielder Casey Schmitt (Giants #3 prospect). Schmitt had a noteworthy offensive highlight in his big-league debut, recording his first MLB hit on a solo home run against Washington Nationals southpaw Patrick Corbin that gave the Giants a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Schmitt became the first member of the team's 2020 MLB Draft class to reach the majors. As a prospect, he is best known for his defensive acumen, particularly at third base. In fact, Giants veteran shortstop Brandon Crawford compared Schmitt's defensive ability to Cardinals star Nolan Arenado.
Schmitt became the first member of the Giants 2020 MLB Draft class to reach the majors. Schmitt hit .313/.352/.410 in 145 plate appearances this season at Triple-A, which was actually a below-average line for the Pacific Coast League. However, Schmitt did have an excellent stint in big-league spring training, hitting .441/.441/.794.
Schmitt hoped to build off a breakout 2022 campaign when he hit .293/.365/.489 with 25 doubles and 21 home runs in 125 games between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. The right-handed bat began consistently tapping into his power in games for the first time in his career and posted an improved OPS with each subsequent promotion.
The SF Giants surely hope Casey Schmitt recorded the first of many career big-league homers on Tuesday, but that blast to left-center field at Oracle Park will surely be a moment he never forgets.
