MLB Draft: SF Giants select Maine 2B Quinn McDaniel with fifth-round pick
The SF Giants selected second baseman Quinn McDaniel with their fifth-round (153rd overall) pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Maine. The slot value for the 153rd selection is $400,600, but given where McDaniel was ranked by most outlets, he seem like a candidate to sign for a below-slot deal to allow the Giants to spend more on other picks in the class.
McDaniel is an absolute darling to statistical models. Young for the class, he will not turn 21 until September, McDaniel hit .354/.513/.688 with significantly more walks (60) than strikeouts (44) in 261 plate appearances this spring with Maine. A three-year starter, McDaniel posted an 1.011 OPS over his collegiate career and took significant strides forward each year.
Despite facing weaker competition in the American East, McDaniel has performed well in wood-bat summer leagues like the New England Collegiate Baseball League. He also held his own in a small sample at the Cape Cod League this summer.
McDaniel has an unorthodox swing that could lead to some problems against professional pitching, but his excellent approach, which showcases tremendous pitch recognition, could allow him to outperform expectations. McDaniel also has plus speed, stealing 32 bases this spring, but that athleticism has not played defensively, where he currently projects as a second baseman who could be viable in left field.
The Giants will have some time before their next selection, which will be the 180th overall pick (sixth round). We'll see who else joins the SF Giants 2023 MLB Draft class.
