SF Giants power-hitting prospect wins Player of the Week Award at High-A
On Tuesday, one of the SF Giants prospects were named the Northwest League Player of the Week Award. Eugene Emeralds outfielder Victor Bericoto (Giants preseason #32 prospect) won the award in the High-A league. Bericoto has been exceptional this season offensively and hit .381/.444/.762 with a pair of doubles and home runs in six games against Spokane last week with more walks (four) than strikeouts (three).
Bericoto was one of Giants Baseball Insider's preseason picks as a potential breakout prospect for his advanced hitting ability and power potential. Bericoto hit .265/.353/.395 with 19 doubles and 12 home runs in his first stint with a full-season affiliate last year at Single-A San Jose but had some of the most impressive swing and batted-ball data in the farm system.
Still 21, Bericoto is the third-youngest position player on the Emeralds' roster and has easily been their most productive hitter. In 274 plate appearances this season, Bericoto is hitting .310/.361/.544 with 12 doubles, a triple, 14 home runs, 25 walks, and 49 strikeouts. He currently leads the team in batting average, slugging percentage, doubles, and home runs. He is tied for seventh in the Northwest League in OPS, and only two of the players above him are younger than him.
The biggest questions facing Bericoto as a prospect are defensive. Bericoto has primarily played right field during his minor-league career but has also had extended opportunities at first base and left field. Bericoto has a sturdy 6'1'' frame with limited range in the outfield, although he could be an above-average athlete at first base.
With limited defensive upside, Victor Bericoto will have to hit his way to the majors. He sure seems to be taking steps in the right direction this season at High-A. Perhaps the corner bat will be winning Player of the Week awards soon with the SF Giants.
