Brandon Crawford compares Casey Schmitt's defense to Nolan Arenado
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The SF Giants added some new talent to their roster on Tuesday, calling up infielder prospect Casey Schmitt (Giants #3 prospect) from Triple-A Sacramento. A 2020 second-round pick, Schmitt is viewed as a potential everyday player with elite defensive potential. He has the best arm and is the best defensive infielder in the Giants' farm system. During his pregame media availability, Giants veteran shortstop Brandon Crawford said Schmitt's defense reminded him of St. Louis Cardinals star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
SF Giants third baseman Casey Schmitt in the batter's box during spring training. (2023)
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
"The person he reminds me most of is Arenado in the way that he uses his hands and his feet, how in sync they are together," Crawford said. "That would be my best comparison, at least defensively."
Arenado has been one of the best third basemen in MLB since he made his big-league debut back in 2013. In fact, he has won 10 straight Gold Glove Awards at the hot corner. Perhaps Schmitt can one day be the first player to beat Arenado in Gold Glove voting.
For now, though, the Giants are asking Schmitt to lean on his defensive versatility. With J.D. Davis emerging as an All-Star caliber third baseman this season, it will be easier for the Giants to get Schmitt into the lineup playing up the middle, particularly while Crawford remains on the injured list.
"Our roster right now has a need for someone who can get Thairo off his feet from time to time and move around," Giants manager Gabe Kapler said about Schmitt during his pregame availability on Tuesday. "Play a little shortstop for us, play a little second base, play a little third base when J.D. needs a day off. I feel like there's ample opportunity for us to get him consistent playing time and not to have him not in the lineup for too long. As a result, we just wanted to see how we could help Casey and have Casey help the Giants now."
Schmitt looked giddy in the clubhouse prior to the game. When he received the news from Sacramento River Cats manager Dave Brundage on Monday, he immediately reached out to his parents and told them the news.
"I texted them in a group chat, made sure they were in the same room together, and then I called them," Schmitt said during his pregame media availability. "They were excited. My mom got a little teary-eyed. It was a special moment."
Schmitt's parents will be in attendance for his debut on Tuesday night, but they are far from alone. While he could not give a specific number, Schmitt said "a little more than 40" friends and family from his hometown (San Diego, California) were making the trip north and will be at the game.
With plenty of familiar faces in the crowd as Schmitt prepares to achieve a lifelong dream, he acknowledged that he will probably be dealing with some extra nerves on Tuesday.
"Right now, it's okay, but I know in a little bit it's gonna start picking up a bit," Schmitt said. "I know last night I was pretty nervous."
The SF Giants will take on the Washington Nationals at 6:45 PM Pacific on Tuesday night. Casey Schmitt is scheduled to make his big-league debut, batting seventh and starting at shortstop.
